BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK AT EACH STAGE

The decision to breastfeed a child is, without a doubt, something that the woman must take, but it is also essential that, for her decision to be truly free and informed, she has knowledge and support. The child, and also the mother, receive many Benefits of breastfeeding at every stage of childhood.

Although campaigns are being carried out to promote breastfeeding, the weight of artificial feeding remains very strong and, basically, it is difficult to reverse ideas that have equated both ways of feeding with that familiar expression of “with the bottle they are raised equally well. "

Fortunately, this statement is clearly refuted by multiple studies that show that artificial milk is related to a higher incidence of health problems. However, artificial milk feeds and keeps babies reasonably healthy and, under medical advice, serves to enable them to grow perfectly if the mother cannot or does not want to give breast milk.

Despite this, reminding mothers of what they offer their children with their own milk is, of course, a way to encourage them to breastfeed for as long as possible.

The newborn

If a mom breastfeeds her newborn On the first day of life it offers you colostrum, a substance that provides you with the energy you need in those first moments, transmits immunity and is what the digestive tract needs to begin functioning. Even if we only breastfeed for two or three days we will be offering a food that will take care of your health upon arrival in the world.

The first weeks They can be hard for breastfeeding. The mother and baby are not attached and, if they have had interferences in childbirth or the first few days, the difficulties may be greater.

But nevertheless be breastfed that first month of life It will already be a new reinforcement for your health, providing you with the most balanced nutrient food for your body, a very adequate protein intake and a milk free of bacterial contamination. This prevents many diseases and infections that, in young babies, contributes to lower hospitalization rates.

The first year of life

During the first four months The baby develops his digestive system and, if we give him artificial milk later, he will be less likely to have allergies and digestive or ear problems.

From the six months The baby is prepared to receive other foods besides milk, but until then exclusive breastfeeding is advised. Continuing to breastfeed thereafter does not diminish its nutritional importance, highlighting that breast milk contains perfect substances to improve brain development and has been related even to higher intellectual coefficients. In addition, with breast milk, the baby continues to receive the milk most adapted to their needs, hypoallergenic, sterile and always available.

Up to two years

When the baby turns one year old You can now take many of the usual family foods and, if we continue to breastfeed, we will have all your nutritional needs covered without buying or preparing industrial products of any kind. Infectious diseases remain less frequent and the immune system develops with the support of breast milk that will have properties in this regard for as long as we breastfeed.

In addition, breastfeeding remains a form of bonding, facilitating communication and closeness of the mother and child at complicated times, helping the child to relax if he has been hurt or is afraid, or if he has had a dislike.

The World Health Organization, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics and UNICEF advise breastfeeding at least up to two years, for the obvious nutritional, cognitive, emotional and health benefits that it implies. After two years, breast milk remains equally suitable for children, since they still need milk and none is better than that of their human mother no matter how much it is invented. The proportion of protein, fat and hydrates, in addition to all the substances included in breast milk, is perfect for the physical, immunological and intellectual development of children.

Weaning

Human children are naturally designed, like mammals, to be weaned between two and a half years and seven, and it is the pattern that is found in all cultures that do not press for weaning decided externally.

Allowing the child to breastfeed until he is ready and desires weaning gives him great assurance that his basic physical and emotional needs have been respected and maintains, during childhood, that aspect of contact and communication that the human being finds in the chest maternal. If the child must be weaned before wishing, it must be done gently, gradually, allowing him to adapt to the new situation without excessive pressure or hardness.

Benefits of breast milk at each stage

Breastfeeding is very important for the health and development of children, and breastfeeding is a decision that each woman will make for herself, having all the possible information. But it's worth knowing everything we will give you at every stage of your childhood with breast milk To be sure that, even if it's only one day, it will have been worth it.