Breast Feeding Tips And Careful Measures For Feeding Infants

Breast feeding is an important aspect of a child’s development. Breastfeeding by women who are devoid of illnesses is preferable, as it is beneficial, both to the infant and the mother. Breast milk is rich in a series of nutrients striking a balance, keeping the baby fit and healthy. It helps in protecting the infant from some diseases. Lactating mothers are at decreased risk for cancer.

Mothers suffering from tuberculosis or HIV infection or those on alcohol or certain drugs should abstain from breast feeding.

Feeding of a child from a mother’s / woman’s breasts is referred to as breast feeding. Suckling reflex helps in sucking the milk from its mother’s breasts and drinking them. It is a wholesome source of nutrients. An infant is breast fed either by feeding through the breasts or by expressing the milk and feeding in a bottle. It is beneficial for infant development. The quantity of water, fat, protein and sugar in mother’s milk is in right proportion, and is apt for the infant’s growth and development.

Advantages Of Breast Milk And Infant formulas

Breast Milk is easily digestible, being safe for the digestive system and comprises of antibodies that helps to ward off infection by invading the bacteria and virus. When drunk from breasts, it is sterile. Breast milk is available at the right temperature and is readily available. Infant nutrition paves way for further development. Breast-fed infants have a reduced probability of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Teeth growth and speech development is improvised by breastfeeding. It has a proper balance of nutrients and sleep apnea is also prevented by breast milk.

The ordeal of mixing and measuring artificial feeds is prevented. Physical contact improves the bonding between the mother and infant and provides a feeling of warmth. Improper sterilization of bottles causing infection is avoided. The extra weight gained during pregnancy is shed, as lactation uses up some amount of energy. The size of the uterus is regained and lessens bleeding, if any. The probability of ovarian and breast cancers are reduced.

Proper overall development takes place. Premature breast fed infants also fare well, when compared to those fed on artificial feed. Breast fed infants have a better I.Q than those fed on formula feeding. Immediate attention is provided by a lactating mother. Reduced risk of osteoporosis and pelvic fractures is seen to occur on those women who breast fed. It helps the child feel at ease, providing all the comfort. Breast feeding improves the self-confidence and increases the bonding with the child. Breast feeding is also beneficial to the society, as it reduces the infection and thereby the hospitalization and prescription. A productive workforce occurs, as, children are healthy, devoid of infection.

Submitted on June 11, 2009