Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding: advantages and support

Breastfeeding is a natural way to provide nutrition to infants. It is the best type of nutrition for a newborn and offers numerous benefits for both mother and child. In this article, we'll look at the benefits of breastfeeding and ways to support women.

Why is breastfeeding important?

Breastfeeding is not only a way to nourish a baby, but also an important process in promoting the growth and development of the infant. 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 build a strong immune system.

Advantages for the baby

1. Protection against disease

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 the cognitive development and intelligence of the child.

3. Easy 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 provides warmth, closeness and comfort, which increases the baby's feeling of safety and security.

Benefits for the mother

1. Faster postpartum recovery

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. Reducing the risk of uterine and breast cancer

Women who have breastfed have a lower risk of developing uterine and breast cancer. This is because breastfeeding helps regulate hormonal levels 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 considered a reliable form of contraception in the first few months after birth.

4. Cost and environmentally friendly

Breastfeeding is inexpensive and environmentally friendly because no expensive dairy products have to be bought and no waste products such as bottles and packaging are incurred.

Breastfeeding support

It is important that women receive the right support during breastfeeding to make breastfeeding successful. Here are some ways women can be supported:

1. Breastfeeding education

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. Breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding groups or networks where they can network with other breastfeeding mothers. Sharing experiences and tips can boost women's confidence and help them better overcome 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 keep the household, take care of older siblings and offer emotional support so that the mother has enough time and calm to breastfeed.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mothers and babies. It protects against illness, promotes healthy development and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Supporting women to breastfeed requires a holistic approach 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). Breastfeeding 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.htm