Each woman produces breast milk that is unique to her baby, and which adapts to the child’s needs throughout its growth. Breast milk is the best food for your baby. It contains not only antibodies, but also growth factors and enzymes. Breast milk contains living cells such as white globulins and stem cells, that help the immune system and in repairing tissue.
For a newborn, breast milk has enormous benefits such as reducing respiratory infections, otitis and gastro-enteritis, as well as reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. On top of this, break milk has a protective effect for inflammatory conditions such as eczema.
Do you know that breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother? Certain breastfeeding properties have a protective effect, by reducing the risk of postpartum bleeding and of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and infant. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Breastfeeding protects against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, and may also have longer-term health benefits for the mother and child, such as reducing the risk of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence.
Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.”
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