Exclusive breastfeeding
Talking about exclusive breastfeeding, we must first know what breast milk is?
Breast milk is mother’s milk which is the main source of nutrition for babies who cannot yet consume solid food. Meanwhile, exclusive breastfeeding is giving only breast milk to babies aged 0-6 months without providing any other additional intake. After reaching the age of 6 months, babies are usually given complementary foods with breast milk. However, it is recommended that breastfeeding continue until the baby is 2 years old.
Giving exclusive breast milk to babies for 6 months is very important. Because, there are many benefits that babies can get from exclusive breastfeeding. There is no better food for babies than breast milk. This milk, which is produced naturally by the body, contains nutrients that are important for the baby’s growth and development, such as vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and fat. Apart from that, the composition of breast milk always adapts to the baby’s needs and is easier to digest than formula milk.
Several Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies
Providing exclusive breast milk does have many benefits for babies. Not only for babies, exclusive breastfeeding also provides many benefits for mothers.
The following are various benefits that mothers and babies can experience:
- Fulfills all nutritional needs of babies
Breast milk is the best food for babies. Because breast milk fulfills all the energy and nutritional needs that babies need during their early life. Specifically, until he is six months old. Therefore, babies actually do not need to be given formula milk, drinks or additional food before they reach the age of six months. Because breast milk alone is enough to meet the baby’s nutritional needs every day. - As the baby’s immune system is stronger
As we know, breast milk contains immune-forming antibodies which can help fight bacteria and viruses. So, babies who are breastfed are at lower risk of developing diseases, such as diarrhea, asthma, allergies, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, constipation, sudden infant death syndrome, and meningitis. Babies who are breastfed also have a lower risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, than babies who are not exclusively breastfed. - Increase children’s brain intelligence
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies can help their brain and physical development. According to experts, the fatty acids found in breast milk play an important role in the intelligence of the baby’s brain. Apart from that, the emotional relationship between mother and baby that is established during the breastfeeding process will make a positive contribution to intelligence. This is supported by various research results which show that babies who receive breast milk have a higher level of intelligence. - Can help baby’s growth and development
It turns out that exclusive breastfeeding can improve babies’ cognitive development. However, this is related to several factors related to breastfeeding. For example, social class or IQ of the mother (parents). - Maintain the child’s ideal weight
Children who are exclusively breastfed are less likely to be overweight or obese when they grow up. Experts say that breast milk stimulates insulin production less than formula milk. The insulin hormone itself can trigger fat formation. So, breast milk does not trigger much fat formation in babies. Babies who are breastfed also have higher leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in causing a feeling of fullness and plays a role in fat metabolism. In addition, breast milk supports the growth of healthy bacteria that live in the digestive system. This affects the body’s metabolism and contributes to ideal body weight. - Reduces the risk of allergies in children
Breast milk plays a role in reducing the risk of allergies in children. Breast milk contains 5 antibodies, namely immunoglobulins A, D, G, M, and IgE. Each has its own function to help keep the body healthy and avoid allergies. - Introducing babies to many flavors
Every food a mother consumes while breastfeeding will affect the taste of breast milk. Indirectly, this can introduce babies to various tastes of food through breast milk. It is hoped that this introduction to taste will help babies when they start trying complementary breast milk foods later. - Children get an abundance of cholesterol
In adults, cholesterol is a bad intake. However, that does not apply to babies. Babies really need cholesterol to support their growth and development and this substance is often found in breast milk. - Important for baby’s bones
Breast milk is very important to give to babies for 6 months and up to 2 years, because breast milk contains calcium which functions to help the growth of bones and teeth. - Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Exclusive breastfeeding can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Research shows that the effect of breast milk in reducing the risk of SIDS will only be visible if breast milk is given exclusively for at least 2 months. - Strengthen the relationship between mother and child
When breastfeeding, the mother will come into contact with the baby’s skin and look at each other. This can strengthen the bond between mother and baby. - Maintain the mother’s ideal body weight
Breastfeeding can burn calories, thereby helping mothers lose weight faster. The mother’s body burns about 500 calories when producing breast milk. - As natural birth control for mothers
Exclusive breastfeeding is a natural birth control method known as the lactational amenorrhea method. However, this benefit is only effective if the mother breastfeeds the baby exclusively. - Can overcome trauma in mothers
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers can eliminate trauma during childbirth. Not only that, breastfeeding and the presence of a baby can be an encouragement to a mother’s life.After giving birth, mothers are usually susceptible to experiencing baby blues syndrome. This condition usually occurs in mothers who are not used to it, and are not even willing to give exclusive breast milk to their babies.However, by breastfeeding, the trauma will slowly disappear by itself. That way, mothers will get used to breastfeeding their babies. - Reduces stress on mothers
Breastfeeding will stimulate the production of the hormone oxytocin which can make the mother feel relaxed. Breastfeeding is also more practical, because mothers do not need to brew formula milk, wash, sterilize and dry bottles. That way, mothers can have more time to relax with their babies. - Reduces bleeding in mothers during the postpartum period
The oxytocin hormone released during breastfeeding can also help the uterus contract. This can reduce the risk of uterine bleeding after delivery, as well as speed up the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy shape. - Reduces the risk of disease in the mother
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the more protected she is from this disease. This probably happens because breastfeeding can suppress the production of the hormone estrogen. In addition, breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus in mothers. - Can save money
While providing exclusive breastfeeding, mothers do not need to spend money to buy formula milk and brew formula milk. This can certainly save monthly household expenses.
During the breastfeeding period, mothers are advised to maintain the intake that enters the body. Eat healthy and nutritious food consisting of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, lean meat, fish, and drink lots of water. Unfortunately, the exclusive breastfeeding program cannot be implemented in women who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, suffer from tuberculosis, take certain medications, are drug users, or suffer from HIV.
If you experience problems related to breast milk production or difficulty breastfeeding, do not immediately give formula milk as a solution. Consult a doctor or midwife and ask for help from a lactation counselor so that the mother’s complaints can be handled appropriately.
