Breastfeeding has many important benefits for the health and well-being of the baby and mommy. According to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, it is optimal for a newborn to start breastfeeding from the first hours after birth, extending for at least the first six months of life.

Benefits for the baby

This method of feeding has a number of important benefits for the quality of life and health of babies. Here are some key aspects of the importance of breast milk:

  • optimal nutrition contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antibodies needed for healthy growth and development. Easy to digest and suitable for feeding your baby in the first year of life;
  • immune system strengthening – has antibodies to help protect against infection and disease by strengthening the immune system;
  • healthy brain development – includes fatty acids that promote proper brain and nervous system development, which can have a positive impact on cognitive and intellectual abilities;
  • emotional bonding – promotes a close bond between mother and child, creating a sense of safety and security for the baby;
  • protection from disease and reduced likelihood of obesity – babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop various diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, etc., and are less likely to develop obesity in later life.

Benefits for mom

For the mother, GW also has great benefits:

  • physiologic recovery – helps reduce the risk of bleeding after childbirth and shrinks the uterus to its normal size, helping to restore physical health more quickly;
  • reducing the risk of chronic disease – may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease;
  • psychological well-being – helps release happy hormones such as oxytocin that reduce stress, improve mood and support emotional well-being;
  • weight maintenance – can affect excess weight gained during pregnancy as it burns calories and stimulates uterine contractions after delivery;
  • practicality and convenience – ideal food as it is always available without the need for formula preparation or heating;
  • emotional component – strengthens the mother-baby bond, creating a sense of safety and security for the baby.

Benefits of breastfeeding

In general, breastfeeding is a key factor in the optimal physical, mental and emotional development of children, and is also crucial for strengthening biological and emotional bonds. Its benefits have been confirmed by scientific studies and recommendations from medical experts. Let’s summarize the most important ones:

  • optimal nutrition;
  • strengthening of the immune system;
  • reducing the risk of disease;
  • promotion of proper development;
  • enhancing emotional bonding;
  • assisting with postpartum recovery;
  • psychological well-being.

So it’s safe to say, mom’s milk is the best gift you can give your baby.