Benefits Of Exclusive Breast Milk For Mothers And Babies

Breast milk is the main food source for babies. Exclusive breastfeeding is given from newborn to 6 months of age, without additional food or drink intake.

Exclusive breastfeeding is highly recommended because it has many benefits for both mother and baby. These benefits include:
1. ) Prevent baby from disease
Colostrum, which is the first milk that comes out, is rich in antibodies that stimulate the baby's natural immune system and can help fight bacteria and viruses.
2. ) Helps baby's brain and physical development
Breast milk contains various nutrients such as protein, vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates, and fats that play an important role for the baby's brain and physical growth. Fatty acids in breast milk also play an important role in the development of the baby's brain and intelligence, as well as cognitive sensory.
3. ) Ideal child weight
Breast milk stimulates insulin production less than formula milk, so breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. Breast milk also contains higher levels of leptin, which is a hormone that contributes to satiety and fat metabolism in babies. Breast milk also supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract that affect the body's metabolism and contribute to an ideal body weight.
4. ) Reduce the risk of allergies in babies
Breast milk contains antibodies immunoglobulin A, D, G, M, and IgE which function to help the body stay healthy and avoid allergies.
5. ) Get cholesterol level
Babies need a lot of cholesterol for growth and development where this substance is obtained from breast milk.
6. ) Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
7. ) Strengthen the bond between mother and baby
When breastfeeding, skin touch and gaze between mother and baby can strengthen the bond or bond between them.
8. ) Slimming
Producing breast milk and breastfeeding can burn calories leading to faster weight loss.
9. ) Natural birth control
Breastfeeding increases the production of the hormone prolactin and suppresses the production of the hormone estrogen, thereby delaying the fertile period and slowing the ovulation process.
10. ) Reduce stress
Breastfeeding can stimulate the hormone oxytocin which can make the mind more relaxed.
11. ) Reduce bleeding
Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, which can help the uterus contract back to its original shape, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding.
12. ) Reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Breastfeeding can suppress the production of the hormone estrogen which can trigger breast and ovarian cancer.
13. ) Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatism

Here are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers and babies. If you have problems related to breast milk or breastfeeding, don't immediately give formula milk as a substitute, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or lactation counselor about your problem. You can also consult a doctor through the mDoc application both online and offline.