Why is breastfeeding good for both mother and child?

'I heard that breastfeeding is good for both mother and child, is this true, please explain, doctor?', (Hoang Yen, 30 years old, in Ho Chi Minh City).

Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Bao Tran, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Phuong Nam Hospital (Member of Phuong Chau Medical Group) answers: Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby directly from the mother or from a bottle containing pumped breast milk. This is the most natural and best source of nutrition for infants and young children. Breastfeeding brings many health benefits to both mother and baby.

Benefits of breastfeeding for babies

Breast milk contains all the necessary ingredients for the development of the baby. Breast milk is a unique and special formula, containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Thanks to that, it brings many health benefits to the baby such as:

Easily absorbed by the immature digestive system of children . Contains antibodies to protect children from infections, enhancing immunity. Provides the right amount of fat, sugar, protein, vitamins and water for children's development. Helps children gain weight according to developmental milestones. Ingredients change to suit the child's developmental stage. Helps children feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Most medical associations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding until the child is 2 years old or older. This provides the nutrients and antibodies needed for the child's development. In addition, scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding helps support a child's immune system and reduces the risk of certain diseases.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby.

PHOTO: PN

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers

Not only beneficial for the baby, breastfeeding also brings many health benefits to the mother such as:

Reduces the risk of postpartum depression : Reduces the risk of cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial and thyroid cancer. Reduces the risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Helps mothers recover faster after giving birth thanks to the hormone oxytocin. Strengthens the physical and emotional bond with the baby. Convenient, lower cost than using formula milk.

Helps mothers lose weight after giving birth more easily : Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, which can help mothers lose weight effectively. However, not all cases of breastfeeding also lose weight. Current research is also unclear as to why some mothers lose weight while others do not. Some other factors that affect mothers' weight after giving birth include food intake, exercise patterns and sleep quality.

Although breast milk has many benefits, Dr. Tran notes that mothers should absolutely not use milk from other mothers of unknown origin and quality because it may not be safe for the baby. If you encounter difficulties such as not having much milk, mothers should refer to foods that should and should not be eaten during breastfeeding or seek advice from doctors to overcome these barriers scientifically and effectively.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-nuoi-con-bang-sua-me-tot-cho-ca-me-va-con-185250908231302249.htm