Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of only giving an infant breast milk for the first 6 months of life (no other food or water) – has the single largest potential impact on child mortality of any preventive intervention.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, hosted by Rev.Dr. Michael Asenso on the Topic “EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING”, Madam Rejoice Norvienyeku a nutritionist from Tema Polyclinic has explained that breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, fat, and everything your baby needs to grow. And it’s all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.
She said Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies.
“The physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure”.
Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children and breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, and obesity.
She stressed that Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis.
She encouraged all nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding seriously and prevent unsuspected child illnesses as August is tagged as exclusive breastfeeding month.
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