The Amazing Health Benefits Of Breastfeeding

The past ten years have seen significant advocacy surrounding the benefits of breastfeeding. Major health journals, established physicians and child development specialists alike have acknowledged the health benefits of breastfeeding, including less upset stomach and gastrointestinal issues, stronger mother-child bond and an increased immunity for mothers and babies. Regardless of the strong push towards breastfeeding in the general sector, the decision to breastfeed is a personal consideration that a mother must make on her own. Given the proper information, a mother can make a well-informed decision aboutwhat is best for her baby.

Ideal Nutrition

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Breast milk consists of naturally occurring vitamins and nutrients, making it the ideal nutrition for babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, not only is breastmilk considered the idealnutrition for infants, but it is recommended that babies should be exclusively fed breast milk for the first six months of their lives. Excluding vitamin D, breast milk contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that a baby needs in its first year of life. Breastfed infants also tend to have less digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, and constipation as breast milk is made up solely of lactose, protein (whey and casein) and fat. These elements are easily digested by an infant's stomach.

Next, discover how breast milk can prevent numerous diseases and viruses.

Disease Prevention

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Breastfed babies tend to have higher immunity to common illnesses, as breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes and white blood cells from the mother, which helps to prevent the child from getting sick. Breastfeeding can also aid in allergy prevention, as some studies have shown that if an infant is exclusively breastfed for at least four months, their risk for contracting certain allergies and skin disorders are significantly reduced, even if they are born into families with these health problems. Studies have also shown that children who are exclusively breastfed for at least six months have a reduced risk for contracting childhood acute leukemia and lymphoma. Some studies have shown that the risk was reduced to thirty-six percent, while another study showed a reduced risk of up to fifty percent. Other positive statistics in regards to disease prevention show that breastfed infants are less likely to be obese upon entering adolescence and adulthood, and they have a decreased risk of developing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Keep reading to reveal one of the most important health benefits of breastfeeding.

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