Benefits Of Breast Feeding
The best form of nutrition for babies is the breast milk. It is always suggested to feed the babies  only by breast milk for their first six months - with no water, other fluids or solids. There are many health benefits from breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother:

Benefits of breast feeding for the baby:

  • No mistakes.  Ideal baby food, has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrate and fluids that new-born babies need.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing infection.  They have less chances of having diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections and ear infections as compared to babies who are not breast fed. This  is because the antibodies and other proteins are passed in the breast milk from mother to baby. They help to protect against infection.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cot death.  The sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) is less in breastfed babies. This is may be because of the higher resistance and lower infections.
  • Developmental and emotional factors.  Breast fed children perform much better in intelligence tests as compared to those who had been bottle fed.  Breast feeding increases the 'bonding' process between baby and mother.
  • Advantages in long-term health.  The following health problems in later life are less common in those who had been breast fed compared to those who had not:

    • Obesity and overweight
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol level
    • Eczema
    • Diabetes
    • Leukemia
    • Asthma

Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother:

  • Advantages to health.  The following health problems are less common in women who have breastfed one or more babies compared to those who have never breastfed:

    • Breast cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Postnatal depression

  • Weight control.  It is easier to lose weight after giving birth if you are breastfeeding.
  • Convenience.  There is no preparation time, and it is always available.
  • Financial. Breastfeeding is free.