World Breastfeeding Week – August 1-7

• to boost the health of infants worldwide
• encourage mothers to breastfeed

Why should mothers breastfeed their newborns?

In India, about 27 million babies are born each year. Of these, 1.2 million do not survive past the first month because of inadequate neonatal care and malnutrition.  One million infant lives can be saved by just breast feeding in the first hour, as soon as the baby is born. When mothers and their families become aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for at least six months, it can save the lives of 250,000 babies EVERY YEAR.

Mommy’s breast milk has all the nutrition the newborns need and the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is six months old. 

Breast Milk is nature’s gift to the baby 

Why breast milk is good for the baby:

• The first breast milk or colostrum is rich in many types of immunoglobulins, including IGA which is special as it  protects against infections of the ears, nose, and throat.

• Breast milk contains Lactoferrin,  an iron-binding protein, which offers antibiotic protection against bacteria such as staphylococci and E. coli.

• Lysozome, an important digestive ingredient is found  in breast milk.

• Breast milk also contains long chain fatty acids, called DHA and ARA which are extremely important for the development of the brain and retina.

The wonderful thing about breast milk is that it keeps changing to meet the requirements of infants at each stage of growth. It is the obviously perfect nourishment for babies during their first year of life because it protects them and builds their immunity against illnesses.

Highly beneficial for both mother and baby

There’s nothing to beat the fragrant warmth of holding a baby close.

• Oxytocin, the ‘cuddle hormone’ is triggered when baby suckles at the breast and this releases the milk from the breasts. The bonus? It promotes    positive emotions, relieves the mother from stress and anxiety and builds a lasting bond between Mom and baby. Additionally, Oxytocin also helps the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size.  
• The process of producing milk or lactation is equal to an exercise workout, burning 200 to 500 calories per day and helps Mom lost those extra pounds that she gained during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding makes the  immune system stronger. It also helps space pregnancies because it delays the menstrual period. 
• Breast feeding  protects against ovarian, uterine and breast cancers.
• Breast feeding cuts the risk of childhood cancer
• Breastfed children are at 34% less risk for juvenile insulin dependent diabetes.  
• Not surprisingly, breast fed children are more confident and enjoy sound emotional health.

Take a look at this excellent animation that shows how your body prepares for breastfeeding

Please share this post and spread the awareness.

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I’m celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with Natural Parents Network!

You can, too — link up your breastfeeding posts from August 1-7 in the linky below, and enjoy reading, commenting on, and sharing the posts collected here and on Natural Parents Network.

(Visit NPN for the code to place on your blog.)