Breastfeeding… a miracle!

1 min reading time

Breastfeeding is the natural and ideal way of feeding the infant because it ensures ideal development not only biologically but also emotionally and promotes the health of the infant. It is a survival instinct since it is the first automatic movement that babies make as soon as they are in their mother's arms for the first time.

Breast milk is undoubtedly the most ideal food for the baby, since it is germ-free, ready to be given at any time, at the right temperature and has all the necessary nutrients that a baby needs. The proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins it contains are in proportions that are perfectly adapted to the needs of the infant.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a newborn's life. After this time, complementary food should be introduced with continued breastfeeding until the 2nd year of age and beyond.

In our country, of course, the rates of initiation of breastfeeding are low compared to other developed countries. Exclusive breastfeeding rates at the end of the 1st month of life are approximately 21% with a downward trend to 11% at the end of the 3rd month. (National nutritional guide for pregnant and lactating women).

Benefits to the infant:

  • It ensures the best growth and growth.
  • It is easier to digest than powdered milks.
  • It provides ready-made antibodies to the infant during the first period when its own immune system has not developed.
  • It protects the infant from many infections such as respiratory, digestive, urinary system.
  • Reduces the time of appearance and development of a dermatitis.
  • Improves vision and psychomotor development of the child.
  • It slows down the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Breastfed babies have less diarrhea and are not constipated. This is attributed to the good absorption of breast milk proteins.
  • Protects against allergies, asthma, obesity and juvenile diabetes (type I diabetes).
  • It contributes to the prevention of some chronic diseases that appear later in life such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Finally, it reduces complications from health problems in premature newborns.

Benefits to the mother:

  • She develops a strong emotional bond with her baby. Breastfeeding is a unique opportunity for the mother to get to know her newborn better and bond emotionally with him.
  • It offers convenience and practicality, since breastfeeding can be done in any place.
  • Contributes to saving money by avoiding the purchase of milk powder and equipment (bottles, teats, sterilizers).
  • It delays an immediate new pregnancy, without of course excluding it 100%.
  • During breastfeeding, a hormone, oxytocin, is secreted, which causes contractions in the uterus and returns it to its normal size more quickly.
  • It reduces the possibility of postpartum depression.
  • Losing weight after pregnancy is easier.
  • A lower percentage of anemia is observed, since menstruation starts later, as well as a lower percentage of osteoporosis, depending on the time of breastfeeding.
  • Finally, it long-term protects against the occurrence of some forms of cancer such as breast and ovarian cancer.

When mothers should avoid breastfeeding:

There are some cases, albeit few, when the mother should not breastfeed. This happens when the mother has a serious illness, which makes contact with the baby forbidden (HIV/AIDS). Some other conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis are not a contraindication, as long as the mother feels rested.

How often should breastfeeding be done?

There are no specific times and frequency. It depends each time on the needs of the baby. The amount of milk a mother's breasts produce is proportional to the demand from her baby. Only a small percentage of women, around 5%, are actually unable to breastfeed due to reduced milk production.

 Stelina Vassiliadis

Dietitian-Nutritionist, MSc Medical School, University of Glasgow

www.stelinasdiet.gr

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