- 1. Give all the nutrients to the baby
- 2. Facilitate digestion
- 3. Reduce colic
- 4. Prevent anemia
- 5. Avoid diarrhea
- 6. Strengthen the immune system
- 7. Develop the nervous system
- 8. Prevent obesity
- 9. Always be ready to be consumed
- 10. Prevent allergies
In addition to feeding the baby with all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy, breast milk has important benefits to ensure baby health as it strengthens your immune system and favors your growth and development, as it is rich in proteins and nutrients made especially for each stage of the newborn's life.
Breast milk is the only food that a baby needs up to 6 months of age, and there is no need to supplement his food with any other food or liquids, not even water. See 10 common questions about breast milk.
1. Give all the nutrients to the baby
Breast milk is produced in a balanced way, containing adequate levels of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water to favor the growth and development of the baby. The ideal is that he suckles all the milk from one breast before moving on to the other, as this way he receives all the nutrients of the complete feeding.
2. Facilitate digestion
Breast milk is easily digested by the baby's intestine, which favors an adequate absorption of nutrients and increased frequency of feedings, bringing more calories and food to the baby. When the child consumes powdered infant formulas, digestion is slower, as no artificial milk is as good as breast milk.
3. Reduce colic
The ease in digesting breast milk also helps to prevent problems such as gas and intestinal colic, in addition to containing substances responsible for protecting and repairing the newborn's small intestine.
4. Prevent anemia
Breast milk contains a type of iron that is highly absorbed by the baby's intestines, in addition to containing vitamin B12 and folic acid, important for the production of red blood cells, cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. See all the nutrients in breast milk.
5. Avoid diarrhea
Breast milk is rich in bacteria that populate the newborn's intestines and make up its intestinal flora, acting as a protective barrier that also helps with digestion and regulation of intestinal transit.
6. Strengthen the immune system
Because it is rich in antibodies produced by the mother, breast milk is a natural form of defense for the baby, protecting the child against problems such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, earache and intestinal problems. This helps to prevent serious illnesses in the newborn's early life and, if he becomes ill, the mother's body increases the amount of proteins and defense cells in the milk, facilitating the baby's recovery.
7. Develop the nervous system
Breast milk is rich in DHA, a type of good fat that participates in the formation of 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 and dementia. Learn about other omega-3 benefits.
8. Prevent obesity
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, children who breastfed during childhood are at lower risk of having problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems throughout their lives.
9. Always be ready to be consumed
In addition to being the best food for the baby, breast milk is always ready, at the right temperature and free from contamination that could cause diarrhea and infections in the newborn.
10. Prevent allergies
Babies who are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age are less likely to develop food allergies, especially allergies to milk, soy, fish and shellfish, eggs and peanuts. Know what What not to eat when breastfeeding to avoid problems for the baby.