Why is Exclusive Breastfeeding recommended?

The true Elixir of Health from Mother to Child – Breast Milk. Learn about exclusive breastfeeding baby.

Social media is buzzing with exclusive breastfeeding baby posts and various activities around it. August is the national ‘breastfeeding awareness month’ focussed on – ‘What is best for your baby?’ Breastfeed is the true magic potion for babies. The power-packed nutritional jab which helps them survive the most crucial period of life.

I remember the pre-natal counseling sessions we attended six years ago. We learned about nutrition and the advantages of breastfeeding baby exclusively for the first six months. When the baby was born through natural birthing, she was immediately handed to be fed. That first time latches and struggles to get it right etched a memory in me forever.

Do you know that the vital nutrition and antibodies pass to the baby through breast milk? These valued antibodies help babies fight infections and viruses and enhance the survival chances.

Breast is Best – benefits of Breastfeeding Baby

Breastfeeding baby exclusively or exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial, as it’s the ideal food for new-born. Packed with the power of nutrients and minerals, antibodies, DHA and natural vitamin E. When we say ‘exclusively’ it means only thorough breastfeed. Baby must be breastfed within the first hour of birth with Colostrum, the first yellowish milk breasts produce, and is rich in antibodies. ‘Baby’s first immunization’.

Breastfeeding your baby is a heavenly feeling, a delight which fills the heart with contentment. Though it is not always easy for new moms. With the right care, support system, and nutrition one can sail smoothly through the breastfeeding phase. Mother’s nutrition is as important as that of a child’s.

Do you know babies who are exclusively breastfed have natural immunity against infections? Such as meningitis, stomach infections, ear-eye infections, and lower respiratory diseases?

Breastfeeding also has some long-term advantages for the mother. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the chances of breast cancer and postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding boosts intelligence in babies

Many researches have hinted at the connection between breastmilk and baby’s intelligence or cognitive growth. Through mothers’ milk, DHA and natural vitamin E passes on to the babies. DHA is a known attribute for brain development.

Breastfeeding baby also improves cognitive development and growth at the age of 5 years. As per research conducted by the UK Millennium Cohort Study. According to the study, “breastfed children are smarter in vocabulary skills and are likely to perform well in school studies.”

FeedIQ is a term widely used for activities and techniques used for boosting baby brain development, from the birth to first six months. As mothers, our role is vital in the process of cognitive development. We provide an immediate environment to our babies, which makes us their nurturers from birth to later stages of life.

Breastfeeding baby – Nutritional Facts

Essential fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are key building blocks of baby’s brain development. The role of DHA and other essential fatty acids is to build neurons and bind the brain cells for effective functioning. But does the body create DHA by itself? The answer is no, it does not. Hence the baby has to depend on external sources for this essential nutrient. Mother’s milk is the right source of DHA and essential fatty acids, combined with natural vitamin E. The natural Vitamin E benefits include powerful anti-oxidant properties that prevent any oxidative damage of DHA.

Hence, the mother’s nutrition is the first priority. During lactation phase, our body passes through various changes and we need to keep it nourished. Health supplements like Abbott’s Simmom IQ+ help during lactation with a healthy supply of nutrients to the baby as well as the mother.

Breastfeeding Baby boosts cognition & sensory growth

Cognitive development is a process, breastfeeding a nutritious diet for the baby is just one stage of it. FeedIQ begins well before child’s birth, in fact from the pregnancy itself, when a mother’s womb provides the right nutrition to boost the fetal growth. Mother’s milk is the best nutrition with DHA to boost brain development in the baby. During later stages, there are various brain-boosting activities that help make children smarter.

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.

This is the reason experts and nutritionist advocate exclusive ‘breastfeeding’ for the first six months. (Though the tenure can extend, first six months are crucial.) Breastmilk is a true elixir for baby’s brain and holistic development.

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The content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.