Nowadays, there are few people who doubt the benefits of breastfeeding for a child. But many do not realize how beneficial breastfeeding is for a mother. In addition, some women believe that guards are something very laborious, requiring huge moral and time costs, and in fact, interfering with life. But in fact, breastfeeding has many advantages over formula. We hope that after reading the article and learning all the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers will stop doubting that it is not only healthier, but also more convenient than artificial.

Breastfeeding babies are healthier than artificial people

Breast milk isn't just healthier, it's unique.

1. None, even the best, milk formula replaces completely breast milk... Even the content of the various elements does not match. What can we say about all kinds of biologically active components of milk.
2. Mother's milk is constantly changing its composition, adapting to the needs of the baby.
3. Gives him protection against infections, forms immunity. A baby who has caught a virus with his mother immediately receives medicine with his mother's milk.
4. Mom's milk also adjusts to the baby's intestines. It creates the correct acidic environment, colonizes the intestines with beneficial microorganisms and dramatically reduces the risk of constipation. Breast milk makes it possible to form properly digestive system which is a good start for a lifetime. Babies who are breastfed are less tormented by the tummy, which means that the whole family sleeps better.

Mother's milk is a product that is always ready to use

This food is always with the mother. At any moment of the day or night, at home and away, the child can get the perfect meal.

1. It does not need to be heated, milk is always at the ideal temperature.
2. You don't have to get up at night to warm up the water, dilute the mixture, wash and boil the bottles and nipples, listening to the cry of a baby asking for food. You can just give the breast and continue to doze while the baby is eating calmly.
3. Breast milk is sterile and antimicrobial. This means that there is no need to be afraid that it will disappear.

Breast milk is very travel friendly

Facilitates child care during illness

Most of the illnesses that babies suffer from require increased drinking. This includes infections and any temperature, and intestinal disorders. But how to get the baby drunk? The child rarely refuses to breastfeed. It is enough just to let him "hang" on his chest as much as he wants. Mom's breast will give the sick baby both food and drink, soothe him, and help him fall asleep. Taking care of a sick artificial man is much more difficult.

Breastfeeding helps build the right relationship between mom and baby.

From the very first days after birth, a person's attitude to the world is formed. And first of all, it is the relationship with the mother. Trust in mom is trust in the whole world in the future. If the child has formed an attachment to the mother, then this allows him subsequently, during adulthood, correctly build emotional relationships, which means, be able to love and be friends. The kind of life a person will have depends a lot on the relationship with their mother at a very early age. And breastfeeding, like nothing else, helps the baby to feel the closeness and reliability of the mother.

HB serves to prevent cancer

Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast and genital cancers. The body of a nursing mother recovers faster after childbirth. And this is something that a bottle of formula definitely cannot do.

Breastfeeding has a contraceptive effect in the first 6 months

If the mother feeds the child exclusively by breastfeeding, not feeding and not feeding him, then the phenomenon of lactational amenorrhea is observed: ovulation does not occur, menstruation does not come, pregnancy is impossible. This allows you not to worry about contraception in the first months after childbirth.

Human milk proteins do not cause allergies

Intolerance to cow's milk proteins is characteristic of many young children, we can say that in one way or another for the majority. Human milk proteins do not cause allergies. Long-term feeding breastfeeding allows you not to introduce cow and goat milk into the baby's diet for at least 2 years.

Breastfeeding is financially beneficial

Good formula milk for baby food very expensive. For many families, who have already lost one salary, such a financial burden becomes unbearable. To feed the baby of the first months of life with a cow or goat milk, and even more so, semolina or diluted condensed milk, is unacceptable. It is much cheaper to feed your mother correctly, especially since the most correct is simple nutrition with products of your region.

Breastfeeding helps you lose weight

Lactation is the only period in a woman's life when fats are excreted from the body by themselves. They don't have to be burned out with grueling fitness activities. No need to go on hungry diets. It's enough just not to overeat. The child will do the rest.

Prevents postpartum depression

Endorphins are released during breastfeeding. They help the mother overcome all the difficulties of caring for a newborn baby.

And in the end, breastfeeding is just fun.

Any mother tries to ensure that her child gets all the best. Breast milk is undoubtedly the best food for a baby. No other product in the world, not even modern blends, compares to it. It is not only a valuable source of nutrients needed for good health, but also the basis of a strong relationship with mom.

Breastfeeding in Russia is synonymous with "natural" - that is, breastfeeding in the first year of life occurs exclusively with human milk. This is the only form of nutrition from birth that is formed by nature itself in the course of evolution.

Breast milk maturity

The digestive system of a newborn baby is not ready to immediately accept complex food, it needs to adapt, gradually get used to the new diet. This is helped by breast milk, which has three degrees of maturity:

• Colostrum - the first 5 days after childbirth;
• "Transitional" milk - up to the 15th day;
• "Ripe" milk - from about the 15th day.

Colostrum

Colostrum is a yellowish, thick and sticky liquid. This is the very first food a newborn receives. Despite its small volume (only 2-5 ml), it is very nutritious and can completely satisfy hunger. The high content of proteins, minerals and vitamins (even more than in mature milk) is easily and completely assimilated due to the presence of special enzymes in it.

The mucous membranes of the newborn are susceptible to aggressive bacterial flora environment, therefore, colostrum contains a high concentration of immune factors, especially secretory immunoglobulin A (protective mucosal immunoglobulin), which creates an effective barrier.

"Transitional" milk

When the baby is ready to receive large portions, he begins to demand to be applied to the breast more often, almost every half hour. This stimulates the production of so-called "transitional" milk. Its color gradually changes from yellowish to white. The amount of protein and immune components decreases, but the content of fats and carbohydrates increases. During this period, the sucking process contributes to the development of breast tissue, which is an important point in the mechanism of milk formation.

"Ripe" milk

The baby receives "mature" milk throughout the entire period of feeding. Its composition is unstable and changes depending on many factors: the nature of nutrition, water regime, psycho-emotional state of the mother, and even on the season (for example, in winter period the percentage of protein content increases). Despite this, milk fully meets the needs of an intensively growing body.

Benefits of human breast milk over cow's milk

Most milk formulas are based on cow's milk. They are trying to bring its composition as close as possible to that of a human, adding some minerals and vitamins, normalizing the amount of protein. However, it is not possible to add all the necessary nutrients to the mixture.

1. Female milk proteins are balanced and represented mainly by albumin (up to 80%) and casein (up to 20%). Due to this ratio, they are easily and almost completely absorbed by the child's body. Cow's milk proteins have the opposite relationship with casein predominant. This protein forms dense flakes that are long and difficult to digest.

Breast milk has low allergenicity and is safe for the baby. Cow's milk is a complex protein complex that is perceived as foreign by a baby's imperfect immune system. Oversensitivity to cow's milk proteins can gradually develop during the feeding process - the first step towards allergy.

2. Human milk contains up to 40 fatty acids, which are necessary for the child, mainly polyunsaturated. They do not irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. This means they do not cause digestive upset, unlike the volatile fatty acids in cow's milk. Plus, breast milk contains an enzyme that helps breakdown and absorption of fats - lipase, which is absent in formula for artificial feeding.

Milk fat, which is stored in the body in reserve, will be used to continue the development of the nervous system and the brain.

3. Carbohydrates of mother's milk are represented mainly by lactose, or rather its form, β-lactose. It is a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria) in the colon and stimulates their growth. Cow's milk contains α-lactose, which is rapidly broken down in the initial sections of the gastrointestinal tract, before reaching the large intestine.

4. Human milk contains about 15 minerals. Moreover, the ratio of minerals is ideal for the baby's body.

It is known that calcium is involved in the formation of bone tissue, which means that it is important that it is absorbed into the required amount... The ratio of calcium and phosphorus (2: 1) promotes its absorption.

Trace elements: copper, zinc, iron - are necessary for blood formation and the development of the immune system. Iron in breast milk is highly available due to the presence of a special transport protein - lactoferrin. Breastfed babies are protected from iron deficiency anemia.

Human milk contains the optimal level of selenium, which has a powerful antioxidant effect.

Despite the fact that in cow's milk minerals are contained in large quantities, their availability for the child's body is reduced.

Protective function of breast milk

The baby's immune system is imperfect after birth. Gradually, she goes through certain stages of development, improves, but in a vulnerable period she needs support, which is the mother's breast milk. It contains various immunologically active components: immune cells (leukocytes) and immunoglobulins (protective antibodies), lysozyme, interferons and others. All of these are formed by the woman's immune system and enter the milk in the required amount to prevent infections.

Breast milk is a full-fledged defense system that has a comprehensive effect on the baby's body, helps him develop his own immunity, and also protects against dangerous bacteria and environmental viruses.

Thus, breastfeeding provides adequate nutrition for the newborn, has a positive effect on his health, and also strengthens a strong bond with the mother.

Expert comments

Polina Lykova, doctor, lactation consultant, member of AKEV (Association of Consultants for breastfeeding), Lecturer, WHO / UNICEF Course "Breastfeeding Counseling"

Each animal has a species-specific milk that meets the needs of a particular mammal. Mother's milk is volatile - its composition is constantly changing according to the needs of the baby.

The amount of protein in cow / goat and any other milk is about 2 times more than in human milk. This creates an undue stress on all organs and systems of the child. At the same time, the amino acid composition of animal milk proteins does not meet the needs of the child, since it is intended for feeding another species of mammals.

About 1000 components have been found in human milk, including: lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactalbumin, serum immunoglobulins and other unique proteins with pronounced anti-inflammatory and protective properties. It is they who are responsible for passive immunity, the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, and the formation of the specific protection of the baby.

Sometimes it is necessary to suspend breastfeeding due to the mother's illness or treatment / examination incompatible with feeding. There are very few such situations and they relate to really difficult conditions (open form of tuberculosis, chemotherapy, psychosis, etc.). Basically, doctors and pharmacists are reinsured by recommending to stop breastfeeding. To check the compatibility of feeding and treatment, you can use modern resources with reliable information as well as Dr. Hale's Handbook.

In order to return to breastfeeding without problems, it is better to feed the baby not from a bottle, but from non-sucking objects (syringe, spoon, cup, sippy cup, etc.). Sucking on these items has practically no effect on breastfeeding and the baby does not have to "retrain".

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician

- Protein of cow's milk is very different in structure from proteins of breast milk, its molecule is larger, it is difficult for the child's body to digest and absorb, in contrast to proteins in mother's milk. It does not contain a complete set of essential amino acids in an easy and accessible form. In fact, cow's milk proteins are designed to feed their herbivorous young, and human babies have a different metabolic rate than calves. In addition, cow's milk protein is also allergenic, it often gives negative reactions from the side child's body... Therefore, cow's milk cannot be an alternative to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding, in addition to the nutritional component, has many more positive aspects. With mother's milk, the baby receives secretory immunoglobulins, biologically active substances and antibodies that protect him from infections. This helps, at a time when the natural defenses are still very weak, to protect the child from microbial and viral attacks. Babies who are breastfeeding carry colds and other diseases easier and easier, due to the fact that maternal antibodies help them fight infection.

- There are very few situations when you need to stop breastfeeding - usually this is a serious health condition for the mother or child, when due to health it is impossible to feed. This is hospitalization and provision emergency care mother or baby, the presence of dangerous infections that involve taking "hard" drugs or breast problems that physically make it impossible to attach (herpes of the nipples, incision with mastitis).

In this case, in order to maintain lactation and then return to GV, you need to resort to breast expression as often as possible, every three hours, spending it until the gland is as empty as possible. If possible, expressed milk should be fed to the crumbs from a spoon, a glass, special sippy cups (but not from a bottle with a nipple). If the mother cannot be temporarily fed with milk, she is expressed and pours out the milk, and the baby is supplemented with formula. As the situation is resolved, you need to put the baby to the breast again and gradually move away from supplementary feeding with a mixture in favor of sucking on the breast.

- Why can't cow's milk protein replace the proteins found in breast milk?

- It is important to understand the uniqueness of breast milk. It is an ideal product for feeding a baby in the early stages of its development. No mixture or milk from another mammal can replace it without prejudice to healthy development child. Currently, breast milk is well studied and the factors that ensure its various functions are known.

The fact is that among all mammals, which include humans, a child is born relatively immature in many organs and systems, including the digestive and immune systems. Breast milk has an ideal composition and ratio of all the necessary substances that ensure the nutrition and growth of the child, factors of immunological protection, enzymes that help complete digestion and assimilation, components that contribute to the formation of intestinal microflora and much more.

When considering cow's milk as an alternative to breastfeeding, it must be remembered that cow's milk is ideal food for the calf and contains the ideal composition for its development. Human milk protein consists predominantly of whey proteins, which have a low molecular weight of albumin and globulins, while in cow's milk the protein is predominantly composed of high molecular weight caseins. And this creates a threat of the so-called protein overload, which further increases the risks of hypertension. Hypertension is the scourge of our time, and the roots of the problem must be looked for precisely in childhood, because the establishment of health occurs in the first two years of life. In addition, cow's milk protein is a "major" allergen that can provoke allergic reactions, the higher the molecular weight, the higher the likelihood that the body will perceive the product as an allergen.

- How important is the role of breastfeeding in protecting the baby from infectious diseases?

- His role is not only great, but exceptional. It's not just food - it contains unique ingredients that are not found in any artificial mixture or any other milk. Breast milk contains protective factors that are in a woman's body: immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lymphocytes, etc. An even higher concentration of these substances in colostrum, which appears immediately after childbirth, despite its small amounts, is sufficient to maintain the adaptive capabilities of the child.

- For what reasons is it necessary to suspend breastfeeding and how to return to it?

- Breastfeeding should be suspended only for some very difficult indications. For example, if the baby was born prematurely, or with injuries and the function of sucking and swallowing is impaired, but even then feeding with expressed milk is recommended. Either the mother has some difficult health indications that interfere with feeding. In 1989, WHO and UNICEF outlined the importance of breast milk for the health of the nation, so now every children's medical institution has specialist breastfeeding consultants to help prevent milk loss during this difficult period. After all, even a small amount of breast milk can help a child in a critical situation.

Breastfeeding preservation depends to a large extent on the attitude of the woman, the so-called “breastfeeding dominant”. Therefore, it is so important to inform women at the stage of waiting for the baby about the benefits and indispensability of breastfeeding, then no problem can be resolved in order to continue breastfeeding. If the woman does not want to feed, then no arguments will help here, and the milk will disappear.

Mother's milk is ideal, it is normal nutrition for a baby. Everything else just falls short of him. Beta-lactalbumin (it is not found in breast milk) and casein proteins, which form the basis of cow's milk, are difficult to digest and often provoke allergies. The same can be said about mixtures based on them.

In breast milk, whey proteins predominate, which are better absorbed and, in addition to nutritional, have a protective function. Alpha-lactalbumin and lactoferrin, the main proteins in human milk, inhibit pathogenic flora and destroy cancer cells. The concentration of lysozyme, known as a natural antibiotic, is hundreds of times higher in breast milk than in cow's milk. It simply does not exist in mixtures. Glycoproteins (antibodies IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE), which support the immunity of the baby, modern science does not know how to synthesize.

And animal milk, in addition, does not meet the needs of the child's body at all: it has a different ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Often, women who are expecting a baby for the first time have doubts about whether it is worth breastfeeding. To understand how beneficial it is for the baby and for the mother, it is worth evaluating all the benefits of breastfeeding.
Indeed, despite the abundance of artificial nutrition and its improvement, breast milk is still irreplaceable. If there are no compelling reasons for refusing to feed, there is no need to doubt its benefits and importance.

Why breast milk is good for you

Mother's milk is unique. It absorbs all the substances the baby needs. In addition, a female body specially for every kid. Taking into account his needs and peculiarities of development.

According to Komarovsky, the natural path is always better when you are not sure if the other path has advantages.

Here are some additional advantages the pediatrician notes:

Breastfeeding helps prevent your baby from developing the thumb-sucking habit. He satisfies the sucking reflex by applying to the mother's breast.

It is much easier to breastfeed your baby on a long trip than to prepare formula on the road.

Mother's milk is absolutely sterile.

Moral satisfaction from intimacy with the baby. The feeling that the child receives what no one else in the world can give him.

Breastfeeding is the best solution for mothers who have no medical condition to breastfeed their baby.

It is especially important in the first six months of a baby's life. And the optimal feeding time is before the child is 1 year old.

The benefits of breastfeeding are so prevalent over formula feeding that it is not even a point of controversy. The phenomenon given by nature - mother's milk - connects the baby with the mother in the first years of his life. This is a unique product that carries the whole required set nutrients in a perfectly balanced form. In today's article, we'll take a look at the most significant benefits of breastfeeding.

Why is breast milk considered the most appropriate food for a newborn?

Breast milk is the ideal first food for a newborn, as its composition meets all the requirements for a quality first food for a newborn. It contains substances necessary for the normal growth and development of the baby. Regardless of the mother's diet, as long as she is not malnourished and is following normal drinking regimen, the baby in any case will receive everything that is required from milk.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Sad cases when young mothers refuse to breastfeed are blameworthy, and this happens because the young woman simply does not know the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast milk is the healthiest food for your baby, and here's why:

• In breast milk, there is an optimal balance of all the nutrients, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins needed by the baby.
• Thanks to the substances found in colostrum and breast milk, the baby's intestines are inoculated with beneficial microflora.
• Breast milk is absorbed absolutely without problems and does not provoke allergies.
• Protective substances, immunoglobulins, enzymes help to form the immune system of the baby.
• Mother's milk is always at the right temperature for feeding.

Nutrition pros

The unique mechanisms laid down by nature, with a normally adjusted lactation process, regulate the composition and amount of milk produced, always exactly in accordance with the needs of the baby.

The composition of the milk in the breast changes throughout the day, as well as with one feeding. First, the baby sucks out the "front" milk, it is more liquid and saturates the baby with the required amount of liquid and useful components. By the end of feeding, "hind" milk is produced, which is more fatty, and thanks to it, the baby feels a sense of satiety.

A well-established lactation process fully provides the baby with everything that is required for good growth and development.

Another advantage of GW is that it is impossible to overfeed the child with mother's milk. Medical statistics show that the tendency to obesity is laid at the beginning of life, and common reason This is the wrong diet. The phenomenon of breast milk is that even if the baby practically "hangs" on the breast day and night, he will never receive an excess amount of it.

The benefits of physical and mental development

A very close spiritual and emotional connection between mother and baby is possible only at the time of feeding. Being at the mother's breast, the baby is not only satiated, but also satisfies his need for warmth and love, communication with his mother.

Breastfeeding enables the baby to grow mentally healthy, develops his memory, intellectual abilities, helps relieve stressful moments. Contrary to popular belief that being at the breast of a baby makes him a “mother’s son,” breastfeeding helps a child grow up as a calm, self-confident person.

Babies who are breastfeeding are less likely to develop malocclusion than those who use pacifiers and pacifiers, which can be fraught with curvature of the jaw.

Children who eat breast milk are less susceptible to diseases of the digestive tract, various infections and allergic manifestations.

Breastfeeding provokes the production of oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, and this has a beneficial effect on the early recovery of the female reproductive system, shortening postpartum period, reduces the risk of bleeding.

If a nursing mother takes a special vitamin complex and eats rationally, then after the onset of menopause she will have less risk of developing osteoporosis. Also, breastfeeding mothers are not at risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer. Breastfeeding helps to eliminate a number of diseases of the female reproductive system (polycystic, endometriosis, etc.).

Breastfeeding has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional background of a woman, reducing the risk of depression after childbirth. In addition, thanks to breastfeeding, a close and trusting relationship between the baby and the mother is laid, this connection helps the mother to better understand the needs and desires of her baby.

Economic and Practical Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the most beneficial and convenient feeding method. A young mother is deprived of the need to constantly sterilize the dishes that are needed to feed the baby, prepare the mixture and wait until it reaches the right temperature, which takes away several hours of precious night sleep, so necessary for her to recuperate.

Artificial mixtures are not so cheap, and the chosen mixture is not always suitable for the child.
The advantage of breastfeeding is that ready-made and warmed-up food is always there for your baby. Even if the mother needs to travel with the baby, she does not need to worry about the mixture disappearing in the bottle - the milk in the breast is always fresh.
When breastfeeding, mom can afford more time to rest. Sitting comfortably in the chair, you feed your baby and rest at the same time. Night feeding allows, without getting out of bed, to move the baby closer and feed him lying down.

If a young mother has decided for herself that she will breastfeed her baby, then she will be able to establish successful lactation in order to raise a healthy and happy child.