Breast milk is considered one of the most incredible substances of the human body because of the invaluable benefits it provides to babies.

It contains crucial nutrients that are essential for a child’s development, but it also offers several other benefits to both mother and baby. In this article, we will explore the science behind breast milk and why it truly is a miracle liquid.

Why is Breast Milk Important for Baby?

The nutritional content of breast milk is precisely tailored to meet the needs of a growing infant.

It is a complex mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients that fulfills a child’s nutritional requirements for optimal growth and development. The following are some of the most important benefits of breast milk for babies:.

1. Providing the right nutrients in the right amounts

Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients that a newborn baby needs to thrive.

It is high in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are crucial for a child’s brain development, immune system, and growth. Breast milk also contains antibodies that protect against infections and diseases, which is especially important during the first months of life when a baby’s immune system is still developing.

2. Helping to reduce the risk of infections

Breast milk provides natural antibodies that protect babies against diseases such as ear infections, meningitis, and respiratory infections. It is also rich in white blood cells, which help to fight infections.

Studies have shown that breastfed babies have fewer episodes of illness and hospitalization compared to formula-fed babies.

3. Promoting healthy weight gain

Breastfed babies tend to gain weight at a slower rate than formula-fed babies, which is a good thing. Research has shown that breastfed babies have a lower risk of obesity later in life compared to formula-fed babies.

4. Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS, a condition that causes sudden and unexplained death in babies under the age of one year.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding provides some protection against SIDS, even when other factors like smoking and bed sharing are taken into account.

Why is Breast Milk Important for Mothers?

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for babies, but it also has several benefits for mothers. The following are some of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding for mothers:.

1. Helping the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size

Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract, which helps it to return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. This can help to reduce postpartum bleeding and accelerate the healing process.

2. Reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer

Studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of developing these types of cancer.

3. Saving money

Formula feeding can be expensive, but breastfeeding is free. Breastfeeding can save families hundreds or even thousands of dollars in formula and feeding-related expenses over the course of a year.

4. Building a strong emotional bond with the baby

Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for mothers to develop a strong emotional bond with their babies. It promotes skin-to-skin contact, which can help to build a strong emotional connection between mother and baby.

The Bottom Line

Breast milk is undoubtedly a miracle liquid that provides numerous benefits to mothers and babies.

It is the perfect source of nutrition for newborns and infants, and it offers several other benefits, including reducing the risk of infection, promoting healthy weight gain, reducing the risk of SIDS, helping the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, saving money, and building a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. For all these reasons, breastfeeding is strongly recommended by healthcare professionals as the best way to provide an infant with the best start in life.