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What are the benefits of breastfeeding for my baby?.
A
Lots of research has been undertaken
to prove the benefits of breastfeeding by both the world health organization
(WHO) and the department of health (DOH). They have found that exclusive breastfeeding
for the first six months of life provides a number of very important benefits:
- Breastfeeding provides the correct
combination of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that babies require, at the
ideal temperature.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk
of developing infections such as diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections,
and ear infections. This is due to the antibodies being passed on via the
breast milk from the mother.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk
of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome. Although it is not full understood
why. However, a contributing factor may be that because breastfed babies get
fewer infections it makes them less susceptible.
- Breastfeeding enhances the 'bonding'
process between baby and mother which helps their emotional health and development.
- There are also lots of advantages
to long term health. In that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of Obesity,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, eczema, diabetes, leukaemia
and asthma in later life.
Although the DOH recommends that
breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months will provide the maximum benefits even
mothers who have breastfed their babies for shorter periods still pass on some
of the benefits to their child.
health visitor
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