MONDAY HEALTH BURST

EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as feeding infants with only breast milk, except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements or medicine. It could be directly from the breast or expressed.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for a period of 6 months after which solid foods can be gradually introduced while still continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years.

Find below some of the health benefits of breast milk/exclusive breastfeeding:

• Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat a baby needs to grow in a form more easily digestible than infant formula.
• Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria.
• It lowers a baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies.
• Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
• Breastfeeding helps burn extra calories, so it can help the mother lose pregnancy weight faster.
• Exclusive breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
• Breastfeeding lowers risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
• Finally, breastfeeding strengthens bonding by giving regular time to relax quietly with the newborn.

Aside the fact that breast milk is easily accessible and more affordable, it is the best source of nutrition for a healthy term infant.

CFHI Monday Health Burst is an initiative of the organization to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health related articles on all our social media platforms.