What are the benefits of breastfeeding

1. Nutrition

Breast milk is nutritious, rich in protein, fat and sugar and easy to absorb. Breast milk contains more albumin and less casein, which is easy to be digested and absorbed; the fat in breast milk is unsaturated fatty acid, which has high nutritional value and small particles, which is conducive to digestion and absorption; breast milk contains more lactose, which is conducive to lactic acid bacteria growth.

Breast milk contains little iron, but it is easily absorbed and utilized. The utilization rate of iron in breast milk reaches 50%. Breastfeeding prevents obesity in later childhood.

Breast milk contains many immune-boosting ingredients that protect children from certain diseases. Breast milk contains a bifidogenic factor that aids in the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the baby's gut, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and thus preventing diarrhea.

The composition of breast milk can vary according to the developmental needs of the baby. The milk secreted by mothers 1-2 days after giving birth is called colostrum, which is yellow and thin, contains more protein and solid components, has mild diarrhea, and is beneficial to the neonatal excretion of meconium.

2. For nursing mothers

Breastfeeding also stimulates the mother's uterine contractions and promotes early recovery. Breastfeeding mothers are also less likely to develop breast cancer. Breast milk can also consume excess fat and water in the mother's body, which is conducive to postpartum body repair.

Neonatal sucking can stimulate the secretion of pituitary prolactin in the mother, promote lactation, and promote uterine contraction, which is conducive to uterine involution and lochia discharge, and reduces maternal bleeding and other infectious diseases.

The baby's sucking action also causes the mother's body to secrete hormones that help her relax. Many busy mothers report that after a busy day, breastfeeding relaxes them and the feeling of exhaustion goes away.

3. Economical and convenient

Breast milk is inexpensive to purchase, it only requires the mother to eat 500 extra calories per day. Breast milk is neither too cold nor too hot, and babies can suck at any time.

4. Enhance the bond between mother and child

In the process of breastfeeding, the close contact between the skin of the mother and the child can enhance the relationship between the mother and the child, and the mother can feel whether the baby's body temperature is normal and detect certain diseases early.