Many medical professionals including the American Academy of Pediatrics advise nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies at least for six months due to the numerous health benefits their babies will derive from their breast milk. Breastfeeding also gives some health benefits to the nursing mothers. The breast milk is highly nutritious.
It contains disease fighting substances that attack germs and foreign bodies in the body of the baby. Besides, breast milk is rich in vitamins. Here are some of the health benefits of breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding fights illnesses
Breastfeeding fights illnesses
Watch Latest Video
The immune system of a baby has not functionally become active. The breast milk contains enough disease fighting substances such as the secretory immunoglobulin A which is contained in huge amount in the first breast milk produced several weeks following delivery (colostrums). Secretory immunoglobulin A acts as the immune system of the baby and keeps the baby safe from germs and illnesses.
Studies have shown that breastfed babies are less vulnerable to illnesses such as meningitis, ear infections, lower respiratory illness, stomach viruses and others as compared to the babies that are not breastfed or adequately breastfed.
Breastfeeding enhances cognitive development
Breastfeeding enhances cognitive development
Watch Latest Video
The results of numerous studies conducted on the relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development have proved that children who were breastfed exclusively (without including any other foods) experienced enhanced cognitive development than other children fed with other foods such as baby formulas. Breast milk contains enough fatty acids which according to medical experts enhance cognitive development.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9921965
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9921965