Introduction

Breastfeeding is not merely a biological function but a strongly ingrained cultural custom in Nigeria. Although with rapid urbanization and industrialization, many nursing mothers opt for formulas or alternatives to breastfeeding, nursing is still one of the most important gifts a mother can offer her child.

Source: Adobe Stock

Breastfeeding is a powerful activity that has many advantages for moms and their infants. Breastfeeding offers physical nutrition as well as emotional and developmental benefits to newborns, as it is the natural method of nurturing them.

We are well aware of the many advantages of breastfeeding for moms and their infants and will use this article to present ten benefits of this activity.

Superior Nutrient Delivery- “Liquid Gold”

There’s a reason why breast milk is frequently referred to as “liquid gold”. It is a nutrient source that is precisely balanced and designed with a baby’s needs in mind as breast milk contains all a baby would need for growth and development. Newborns can readily absorb the perfect combination of vitamins, proteins, and lipids found in breast milk.

Disease protection- Immunity builder

A mother’s thick, yellowish milk, known as colostrum, is produced in the first few days after giving birth and is full of antibodies that help shield the child from infections. This early milk strengthens the baby’s immune system and lays a solid basis for health, acting as a natural vaccination. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to have infections such as ear and respiratory infections, additionally, they are less likely to have gastrointestinal problems. This is especially crucial in Nigeria, where there may be barriers to healthcare access. Consequently, chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma were found to be less common in breastfed children.

Lower Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk

One of the biggest worries for new parents is SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome. SIDS is the death of a child just before their first birthday, although causes are largely unknown, research indicates that breastfeeding may lower the chance of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome.

According to research, nursing can reduce the incidence of SIDS, giving babies an extra degree of protection during their most vulnerable months.

Healthy Weight Promotion

Babies who are breastfed have a lower chance of being overweight or obese in the future. Early adoption of healthy eating habits is encouraged by the content of breast milk, which assists in control of the baby’s appetite.

Supports Brain Development

Research has indicated that breastfed for at least the first 6 months, typically have superior cognitive development and higher IQs. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), one of the fatty acids present in breast milk, is essential for brain development.

Economical and Convenient

Breastmilk is more convenient and cost-effective than formula since it is easily accessible, perfectly temperature-controlled, and doesn’t need to be prepared.

Enhances the Mother-Child Relationship

A strong emotional relationship is developed between a mother and her child during breastfeeding because of the physical proximity of skin-to-skin contact and eye contact. The emotional stability of the infant depends on this bonding as it gives them a sense of comfort and security, which in turn benefits the mother as it lowers the chance of postpartum depression.

Promotes Long-Term Health

Both moms and newborns benefit from long-term health from breastfeeding. For moms, there is a decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancers, additionally, it can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and some cardiovascular diseases in moms. For babies, breast milk lowers a baby’s chance of acquiring long-term illnesses like type 1 diabetes, allergies, and asthma.

Faster Uterine Involution and Snatch-back

Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, aids in the uterus’s retraction to its pre-pregnancy size (uterine involution) reducing the risk of post-partum bleeding. Weight loss and getting back to pre-pregnancy size are top concerns for women in the immediate post-partum period, breastfeeding is said to support weight loss as the activity increases caloric expenditure, which may help with postpartum weight loss.

Natural Birth Control

During the first several months after giving birth, breastfeeding might help postpone the onset of menstruation, offering a natural birth control approach, this is however not dependable. We advise that you speak with your doctor to get better birth control options.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding has major financial benefits, especially in Nigeria, where many families struggle financially. The expense of formula, bottles, and other feeding items is eliminated with breastfeeding.

We acknowledge the nutritional, physiological, emotional, and financial benefits of breastfeeding, as breastfeeding has many advantages, ensuring that moms and their infants get the best start in life. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and extensive, from promoting emotional bonding and long-term health to offering the best nourishment and immunological protection.

In addition to the health information we offer, if you’re a woman needing simple, cost-effective health coverage for you and your family—for as little as #800—visit our webpage to find a plan that meets your needs.

Dr. Ifeoma M. Uduh, Dr. John Afam-Osemene