6 Advantages of Breastfeeding – Offering Immunity to Your Baby

Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk of suffering from infections, diseases and allergies as compared to those who are formula-fed from the beginning. Loaded with powerful vitamins, proteins and fats, a mother’s milk is a perfect blend of essential nutrients that aid in proper growth of the baby and also boost his immunity.

Of the many advantages of breastfeeding, one of the main benefits is that it improves the immunity of the baby. Let’s check out how:-

Fight’s against infant ailments

Babies who are breast-fed are naturally protected against a host of infant illnesses. Many pieces of researches have proved that breast-fed babies hardly suffer from conditions such as stomach infection, respiratory diseases and ear infection. When a mother starts breastfeeding her baby, her body automatically produces a special kind of milk called COLOSTRUM that comprises of a heavy dose of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). This special liquid forms a protective layer around the mucous membrane of the baby’s throat, intestines and nose. Breastmilk also contains antibodies that fight bacterial and viral diseases such as flu, urinary infection and more. In addition to these, breast-fed babies are also at a very low risk of developing diabetes later in their lives.

Prevents Allergies

Studies have shown that babies who are formula-fed are more likely to suffer from allergies that those who are breast-fed. This is because the formula milk contains cow’s milk or soy milk that do not have secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). The absence of these vital antibodies make the walls of the nose, throat and intestine prone to infections and allergies. Therefore, it’s best to breastfeed babies. A mother’s milk also safeguards the infants against asthma and skin rashes.

Fights Cancer in Babies

The majestic milk of a mother also lowers the risk of babies developing cancer and diabetes.

Averts SIDS risk

A wide range of studies have also proved that babies who are breastfed are at a very low risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most gynaecologists and paediatricians recommend new moms to breastfeed their babies for as long as possible to avoid SIDS.

Enhances Intellectual Development

Experts suggest that breastfeeding boosts cognitive developing in infants. Breast-fed babies show faster language development and better IQ level by the age of 7 in comparison to those formula fed.

Helps Maintain Baby Weight

Babies who are breast-fed are reported to be healthier than those formula fed, and their chances of becoming overweight are also very less.

Of the many advantages of breastfeeding the babies, the best and most essential one is the development of bond between a mother and her baby. The skin-to-skin contact makes the little one recognize his mother’s smell and voice and feel safer and wanted. Nursing the infant also helps build a foundation of a loving bond between the two.