Breast milk is a source of nutrient intake for new born, which is of exclusive breastfeeding giving applies to babbies aged 0 months to 6 months. In this phase, it must be considered properly about the giving and quality of breast milk, so as not to interference with the stage of development of the little one during the first six months from the first day of birth. Breast milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals as well as various other nutrients. Breastfeeding from an early age even immediately after the baby is born has a positive impact on both mother and baby.
What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies?
1. Prevent Disease
According to the Ministry of Health - Directorate of Health Promotion & Community Empowerment, there are several benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies, one of which is preventing disease. Exclusive breastfeeding for babies given by mothers turns out to have an important role, namely increasing the baby's immune system. So that it can prevent the baby from various diseases that can threaten the baby's health. Breast milk contains immune-forming antibodies. Well, this substance can help fight bacteria and viruses. As a result, babies are less likely to get diseases, such as diarrhea, allergies, etc.
2. Helps Baby's Brain and Physical Development
Exclusive breastfeeding benefit for babies can also help brain and physical development at the age of 0 to 6 months a baby has not been allowed consume any nutrient other than breast milk Therefore, for six months in a row, breast milk given to your little one certainly has a big impact on the baby's brain and physical growth in the future.
3. Improve Cognitive Development
There is one more specific study that states that breastfeeding can improve cognitive development in infants. Her study, entitled Breast milk and cognitive development—the role of confounders: a systematic review, is published in the US National Library of Medicine. Studies have shown that, exclusive breastfeeding can improve the cognitive development of infants, namely IQ intelligence. However, this is related to several factors related to breastfeeding. For example, a parent's social class or IQ. In addition, the study was also conducted in high- ncome countries.
4. Ideal Baby Weight
Babies who are exclusively breastfed are more likely to grow to a normal weight. Breast milk stimulates less insulin production than formula. The insulin hormone itself can trigger the formation of fat in the body. Well, in other words, breast milk does not trigger the formation of fat in babies. Interestingly, the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies also have higher leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in fat metabolism and causes a feeling of fullness.
5. Meets All Nutritional Needs
Breast milk is the best food for babies. This is because breast milk fulfills all the energy and nutritional needs of the little one during his early life. In particular, until the age of six months, babies do not actually need to be given formula milk, drinks, or additional food before turning six months old.
Exclusive breastfeeding also has several benefits for the mothers. The Benefit are :
1. Help Mother Overcoming Trauma
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers can eliminate trauma during childbirth. Not only that, breastfeeding also at the same time with the presence of the Little One can be an encouragement for a mother's life. After giving birth, mothers are usually prone to experiencing the baby blues syndrome. This condition usually occurs in mothers who are not used to it, and are not even willing to give exclusive breastfeeding for their babies. But with breastfeeding, slowly the trauma will go away on its own.
2. Prevent Breast Cancer
In addition to making the mother's health and mental condition more stable, exclusive breastfeeding can also minimize the risk of breast cancer. According to the Ministry of Health - Directorate of Health Promotion & Community Empowerment, "The Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies", one of the triggers for breast cancer in breastfeeding mothers is the lack of exclusive breastfeeding for their own babies.
3. As a Natural Contraceptive
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers can also act as natural family planning. Because ovulation can be hampered when the mother gives exclusive breastfeeding to the little one. In the medical world, this method is called the lactational amenorrhea method. The thing that needs to be underlined, to get the benefits, mothers are advised to be ready to breastfeed whenever the baby needs it. In addition, to reduce the chances of pregnancy, mothers are also advised to use safe contraceptive methods during breastfeeding.
There are so many benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers. So, don't hesitate and worry anymore to give breast milk to your baby right after he is born. Healthy mothers are strong babies. Breastfeeding is the main foundation for children to grow up healthy and smart!
Literature Source :
https://promkes.kemkes.go.id/manfaat-asi-eksklusif-untuk-ibu-dan-bayi
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-baby--for-mom
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-5-manfaat-asi-bagi-bayi-dan-ibu-yang-bisa-dirasakan
https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/manfaat-asi/
Wasfich Asnath et al, Breast milk and cognitive development the role of confounders: a systematic review, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. 12 July 2013
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