Breastfeeding: Essential for Maternal and Infant Health, Say WHO and AAP
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and child, according to recent health guidelines. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, highlighting its role in preventing diseases and promoting healthy development.
Mothers who breastfeed enjoy reduced risks of postpartum depression and various health issues, such as breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Breastfeeding also aids in maternal weight loss by burning calories and stimulating uterine contractions.
For babies, breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition with the right balance of nutrients for easy digestion. It promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity by fostering different gut bacteria and increasing leptin levels. Breast milk's composition adapts to the baby's changing needs, especially during the first month of life. Colostrum, the initial milk produced, is rich in protein and beneficial compounds, supporting the newborn's digestive tract development.
Breastfeeding also reduces the baby's risk of middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, gut infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It may even help prevent menstruation, providing a natural spacing between pregnancies.
The WHO and AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding even after introducing solid foods. This practice offers extensive health benefits for both mothers and babies, making it an essential aspect of infant health and development.
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