In addition to feeding your baby with all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy, breast milk has important benefits to ensure the health of the baby because it strengthens its immune system and promotes its growth and development, because it is rich in specially designed proteins and nutrients. for every phase of the newborn’s life.
Breast milk is the only food a baby needs until 6 months and there is no need to supplement food with other foods or liquids, even water. See 10 common questions about breast milk.
- Breast milk is produced in a balanced way.
- Containing adequate levels of protein.
- Carbohydrates.
- Fats and water to promote the growth and development of the baby.
- Ideally.
- It sucks all the milk from one breast to another.
- As it receives all the nutrients from the whole diet.
Breast milk is easily digested by the baby’s intestine, which promotes proper absorption of nutrients and increases the frequency of feeding, providing more calories and food to the baby. When the child consumes infant formula powder, digestion is slower because no artificial milk is as good as breast milk.
The ease of digestion of breast milk also prevents problems such as intestinal gases and colic, as well as containing substances responsible for protecting and repairing the newborn’s small intestine.
Breast milk contains a type of iron heavily absorbed by the baby’s intestines, as well as containing vitamin B12 and folic acid, important for the production of red blood cells, cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the blood. See all nutrients in breast milk.
Breast milk is rich in bacteria that populate the newborn’s intestines and form its intestinal flora, acting as a protective barrier that also helps digestion and regulation of intestinal transit.
Because it is rich in antibodies produced by the mother, breast milk is a form of natural defense for the baby, protecting the child from problems such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, ear aches and bowel problems. This helps prevent serious illness in the first few years of the newborn’s life and, if she gets sick, the mother’s body increases the amount of proteins and defense cells in milk, making it easier for the baby to recover.
Breast milk is rich in DHA, a type of good fat that helps form neurons and promotes memory, learning and attention. DHA is one of the components of omega-3, an important nutrient also to prevent neurological problems such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Discover the other benefits of omega-3.
Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, children who have been breastfed in childhood are less likely to have problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems throughout their lives.
In addition to being the best food for the baby, breast milk is always ready, at the right temperature and free of contaminations that can cause diarrhoea and infections in the newborn.
Exclusively breastfed infants up to 6 months of age are less likely to develop food allergies, including allergies to milk, soy, fish and shellfish, eggs and peanuts. Know what not to eat while breastfeeding to avoid problems with your baby.