Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding is a natural way to supply infants with food. It is the best type of nutrition for a newborn and offers numerous advantages for both mother and child. In this article we will deal with the advantages of breastfeeding and show ways of how women can be supported.

Why is breastfeeding important?

Breastfeeding is not only a way to feed a baby, but also an important process for promoting growth and developing the baby. Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients, antibodies and enzymes that a baby needs in the first months of life. It is easy to digest and helps the baby to build a strong immune system.

advantages for the baby

1. Protection against diseases

Breast milk contains antibodies that help the baby protect themselves against diseases and infections. Babies that are breastfed have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies and obesity. They also develop a stronger immune system that protects them against infections.

2. Healthy development of the brain and nervous system

Breast milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for the development of the baby's brain and nervous system. Breastfeeding can therefore promote cognitive development and intelligence of the child.

3. Simple digestion

Breast milk is easy to digest and adapts to the needs of the baby. It contains enzymes that support digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation and diarrhea.

4. Emotional aspect

Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child. During breastfeeding, the mother passes warmth, closeness and consolation, which increases the feeling of security and security in the baby.

advantages for the mother

1. Faster recovery after birth

Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract faster and return to their normal size. This can help to reduce the risk of bleeding after birth and to accelerate the recovery of the mother.

2. Running the risk of uterine and breast cancer

Women who have breastfed are less risk to develop uterine and breast cancer. This is because breastfeeding contributes to regulating the hormonal balance in the mother's body.

3. Natural contraception

Breastfeeding can serve as a natural method of contraception. It suppresses hormones that trigger ovulation and can therefore be seen as a reliable form of contraception in the first months after birth.

4. Cost and environmentally friendly

Breastfeeding is inexpensive and environmentally friendly, since no expensive milk products have to be bought and no waste products such as bottles and packaging.

support for breastfeeding

It is important that women get the right support during breastfeeding to make breastfeeding successfully. Here are some options for how women can be supported:

1. Enlightenment about breastfeeding

Information about the advantages and the process of breastfeeding should be made available during pregnancy. Women should be informed about the correct laying technology, frequent breastfeeding positions and the importance of breastfeeding in the first few weeks.

2. Incerative advice

Incontractors and midwives can offer valuable support. You can help women with difficulties such as pain in breastfeeding, too little milk production or false base technology. They are trained to offer solutions and encourage women to continue their breastfeeding.

3. Networks and groups for exchange

Women should be encouraged to participate in still groups or networks where they can exchange ideas with other breastfeeding mothers. The exchange of experiences and tips can strengthen women and help them to better master challenges.

4. Support in the workplace

Employers should provide flexible working hours and reasonable quantities to make women breastfeed after returning to work. This can enable women to maintain their breastfeeding relationships with their baby longer.

5. Family support

Partners and family members should be made aware of the importance of breastfeeding. You can help to keep the household, to take care of older siblings and to offer emotional support so that the mother has enough time and calm to breastfeed.

FAZIT

Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages for both mothers and babies. It protects against diseases, promotes healthy development and strengthens the bond between mother and child. In order to support women in breastfeeding, a holistic approach is required that includes information, advice and networks. By supporting women in this important process, we can maximize the health benefits of breastfeeding and improve the well -being of mother and child.

sources:

- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breast feeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 129 (3), E827-E841.
- World Health Organization. (2017). Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for TextBooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals.
- La Leche League International. (n.d.). Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother. Retrieved from https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-mother/
- Office on Women’s Health. (2019). Womenshealth.gov. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
- Australian Government, Department of Health. (2015). The Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy, 2015 and Beyond. Retrieved from https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/phd-nutrition-breastfeeding-strategy