Benefits of Breastfeeding
Disease description:
A female friend of mine is about to give birth and is undecided whether to breastfeed or use formula milk after the baby's birth. She has heard that breastfeeding might be better. Could you please explain the benefits of breastfeeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The benefits of breastfeeding include providing optimal nutrition, enhancing immunity, promoting emotional bonding between mother and child, aiding uterine contraction and recovery, and reducing the mother's risk of developing breast cancer.
1. Providing optimal nutrition: Breast milk contains various nutrients required for infant growth. These nutrients are present in proportions best suited to the infant's needs, making them easy to digest and absorb, thus supporting the infant's healthy development.
2. Enhancing immunity: Breast milk contains multiple immune substances that can strengthen the infant's immune system and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
3. Promoting emotional bonding between mother and child: During breastfeeding, physical contact and eye contact between mother and infant enhance their emotional connection, helping to establish the infant's sense of security and trust.
4. Aiding uterine contraction and recovery: The infant's sucking of the nipple stimulates the mother's body to secrete oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract, reduces postpartum bleeding, and promotes the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state.
5. Reducing the mother's risk of breast cancer: During breastfeeding, the mammary glands receive adequate stimulation and emptying, which helps reduce the occurrence of breast diseases.
When conditions permit, mothers are advised to choose breastfeeding.
