Breastfeeding

We are well aware that breast milk is still the best for your baby but did you know that the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition?

Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding:

1. It offers good nutrition. Breastmilk is all the food and drink the baby needs from birth up to 6 months of age. It has the vital nutrients to help the baby grow and is easily digested and absorbed.

2. It provides immunity and protection against illnesses especially when colostrum is given. Colostrum is the thick, yellowish substance from the breast produced in the first few days after birth. It has antibodies that give immunity and protection against infections, allergies and diseases, resulting to less frequent or less sever infections.

3. It also aids in the contraction of the uterus to normal size and prevents post-delivery bleeding.

4. Also, it provides a natural contraceptive that helps in child spacing allowing the mother's body to 'recover' from the demands of pregnancy. It therefore helps in ensuring the good nutritional and health status of the mother.

5. It lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

6. It helps establish and strengthen emotional bond between baby and mother!