Exclusive breastfeeding entails providing the baby with breast milk alone without any other liquids or solids for the first six months of their life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding, which is the best way of providing the young one with essential nutrients, growth, and immunity. WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) argue that providing breast milk to infants ensures that they grow healthy and lowers the risk of diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia that could lead to mortality.

This article will discuss the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life.

Promotion of the Immune System

Breast milk contains several immune properties that help build a baby’s immune system. The newborns have an underdeveloped immune system that has not been exposed to the other environmental microbes.

The mother’s breast milk offers optimal nutrition and protection necessary for infant growth and development. Some of the components in breast milk help reduce the risk of ear infections, respiratory tract infections, meningitis, and diarrhea. These protective factors shield a baby against illnesses as their immune systems mature and develop.

Reduction in the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under the age of one year. The combination of immaturity, underlying risk factors, and environmental stressors triggers SIDS.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the exclusive breastfeeding of the infant reduces the risk of SIDS by 50%. This is because breast milk is hypothesized to reduce sleep apnea, upper respiratory infections, and promte infant arousal.

Helps in Cognitive Development

The nutrients found in breast milk help with brain development. Numerous studies have found that children who were exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months score higher on intelligence tests than those who were not.

Breast milk contains the ideal balance of fats, protein, and sugars that support brain development. Additionally, breast milk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for the baby’s brain vision and nervous system development.

Promotion of Postpartum Weight Loss and Uterine Contractions

Exclusive breastfeeding triggers contractions in the uterus, which helps it return to its pre-pregnancy size.

This is because breastfeeding stimulates the release of hormones such as oxytocin, which cause uterine contractions that help reduce blood loss and prevent hemorrhage. Additionally, for moms who are concerned about their weight after giving birth, breastfeeding can also help shed off some of the baby weight.

Reduces the Risk of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Breastfeeding has been shown to improve maternal health and reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, women who breastfeed their infants have a lower risk of premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer. Additionally, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer as it delays ovulation, and decreases the number of menstrual cycles a woman has in her lifetime, both factors linked with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Cost Effective

Infant formula can be costly and lead to a considerable financial strain on families with infants. Providing breast milk for an infant means that there is no need to purchase formula or bottles, which can save a considerable amount of money.

This not only saves money on formula but also on healthcare costs such as doctor visits and hospitalization for infant illnesses.

Promotion of Strong Bonding

Breastfeeding is a unique and intimate experience that helps create a strong bond between the mother and the infant.

The physical closeness of the infant with their mother while being breastfed promotes a strong bond that is essential for the infant’s emotional development. The bond between a mother and an infant is critical to building a child’s sense of security, and breastfeeding helps this process.

Reduction in the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Exclusive breastfeeding plays a crucial role in helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases in later life. Studies have shown that breastfeeding helps prevent obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in both the mother and the baby.

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) recommends exclusive breastfeeding and stresses the role it plays in disease prevention and promotion of general health.

Promotion of Proper Dental Development

The act of breastfeeding involves an infant using specific facial muscles that are critical in proper dental development.

These muscles and tongue positions used while breastfeeding are essential in aligning the teeth and jaws correctly and reducing the risk of improper development such as overbite, open bite, or crossbite. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a baby’s life for proper dental development.

Conclusion

Exclusive breastfeeding has numerous benefits such as promotion of the immune system, reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), cognitive development, promotion of postpartum weight loss and uterine contractions, reduced risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, cost-effectiveness, promotion of strong bonding, reduction in the risk of chronic diseases, and promotion of proper dental development. These benefits support the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life by WHO and UNICEF.

It is essential to encourage and support mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding as much as possible so that they can provide the best nourishment and support their infant’s growth, development, and overall health.