Breastfeeding provides a wealth of benefits for both mothers and babies, enhancing immediate health outcomes and offering long-term advantages. Its role in promoting optimal growth, development, and health cannot be overstated. New Delhi: Human milk stands as the ideal source of nutrition for nearly all infants.
Therefore, breastfeeding is highly recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of appropriate solid foods within the first year. The benefits of breastfeeding extend significantly to both mothers and their infants, impacting health in both the short and long term. While talking about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, Dr.
V. Prakash, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Prashanth Hospitals – Velachery and Kolathur shared the following insights. Benefits for Mothers Short-Term Benefits Long-Term Benefits Benefits for Infants Short-Term Benefits Long-Term Benefits Social Benefits Globally, it is estimated that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to at least two years could prevent a significant number of infant deaths.
Breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits that not only enhance the immediate well-being of infants but also contribute to their long-term health and development. Alternatives When Breastfeeding is Not Possible In cases where a mother’s milk is not available, pasteurized donor human milk serves as a valuable alternative for extremely and moderately preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This option provides many of the protective benefits of breast milk, supporting the health of vulnerable newborns.
In summary, breastfeeding provides a wealth of benefits for both mothers and babies, enhancing immediate health outcomes and offering long-term advantages. Its role in promoting optimal growth, development, and health cannot be overstated..
