What Is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding, or "nursing," is a recommended method of feeding infants right from birth. Breast milk is fed directly to the infant or by expelling the milk and feeding the infant through bottles. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the mother should breastfeed her child for at least six months and, if possible, continue until the child is 12 months old. Breast milk comprises nutrients that are essential for the body and antibodies for the defense mechanism, so it is considered complete food for infants. To meet the nutritional demands of the infant, the composition of breast milk changes as well.
How Does the Baby Benefit From Breastfeeding?
- Breast milk is composed of all the vital nutrients for the survival of the infant. Though the breast is considered complete food for Infants, the constituents in the milk vary from time to time according to the baby’s need. Colostrum is the milk produced right after giving birth and helps in the development of the digestive system of the baby.
- Improves the defense mechanism: Colostrum contains high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies that pass through the breastmilk and form a protective barrier to prevent infections in the newborn.
- Healthy weight gain: Breastfeeding for a longer duration promotes healthy weight gain, prevents the chances of becoming obese in the future, and increases satiety. This promotes healthy eating habits. In addition, the gut microbial flora varies between breastfed and formula-fed babies. So, the chances of being overweight or obese are lower in breastfed babies.
- Improves cognitive function: Breastfed babies have smarter minds than formula-fed babies. Heredity, interactions, and psychological factors determine cognition. During breastfeeding, the interaction between the mother and the child increases. The baby touch feels and makes eye contact with the mother during nursing. Once the hunger is satisfied, pleasure suckling happens. The longer breastfeeding, the higher the brain development and IQ.
How Does the Mother Benefit From Breastfeeding?
- Helps in weight loss: Breastfeeding mothers burn more calories than non-lactating mothers due to changing dietary habits and healthy eating.
- Shrinks the uterus: During pregnancy, the uterus expands as the baby grows. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the process and increases during pregnancy and childbirth. After delivery, involution of the uterus happens, and breastfeeding contracts the uterus reducing its size of the uterus.
- Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the process and increases during pregnancy and childbirth. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the process and increases during pregnancy and childbirth. Helps to fight postpartum depression: Initially, changing hormones may cause depression soon after childbirth. However, breastfeeding reduces the incidence of postpartum depression in lactating mothers.
- Reduces the risk for certain diseases: Lactating mothers lower the risk of getting high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, and arthritis. However, breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
How Does Breastfeeding Enable Cognition?
Human milk contains a complex mix of nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies which protect the baby from infections and illnesses. It is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants and is recommended by healthcare professionals as the primary source of nutrition for babies for the first six months of life.
Breastfeeding positively affects the developing brain and promotes 20 - 30 percent of brain growth. The development of the brain occurs because the nutrients in the milk enhance brain growth.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) :
DHA is the main ingredient for the growth, development, and maintenance of brain tissue. The level of DHA is higher in breastfed babies. Foods rich in DHA are fish, especially salmon and tuna. Consumption of foods rich in DHA is also beneficial to mothers' health.
Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is another fat needed for brain development. Breast milk contains higher cholesterol than formula milk. Cholesterol is the basic component for growing nerve tissue. Fats like Omega 3 fatty acids other than cholesterol also help to grow the nerve tissues. Incorporation of such fats in daily intake helps in the development of the brain and is good for the mother as well.
Sugars:
The main sugar group in breast milk is Lactose. In digestion, the lactose breaks down into glucose and galactose. Galactose helps in the development of brain tissue. Galactose are found more in breast milk than any other milk. Cow milk and other milk formulas have low amounts of lactose that won’t suffice the need for brain tissue development.
Forming New Connections:
The brain grows every day right from intrauterine life till eight years of age. Based on exposure to experience, the brain shapes its growth. Neurons are the brain cells that multiply and connect to pass the signals for normal functioning. Whenever the baby interacts with the mother, a new connection is formed. The baby enjoys their own environment; the flow of the milk, the eye - contact, skin to skin contact varies every time. So, the baby is introduced to the new environment. On exposure to the new environment, new connections are formed with new brain cells. Breast milk digests quickly and easily, so the baby is fed frequently, and the formation of new cells and connections are stimulated.
What Is the Mechanism Behind Breastfeeding and Enhanced Cognition?
Breastfeeding is believed to enhance cognition through several mechanisms:
Nutrient Composition: Breast milk contains essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA), choline, and iodine, which are crucial for brain development and cognitive function.
Brain-Boosting Factors: Breast milk contains growth factors, hormones, and other bioactive compounds that can support neural growth and connectivity in the developing brain.
Microbiota Influence: Breast milk helps establish a healthy gut microbiota, which plays a role in brain development and function through the gut-brain axis.
Bonding and Interaction: Close physical contact and bonding during breastfeeding can positively influence a child's emotional and cognitive development. Responsive caregiving and interaction between mother and baby stimulate brain development.
Antioxidant Protection: Breast milk provides antioxidants that help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially promoting better cognitive outcomes.
Maternal Hormones: Breastfeeding promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with nurturing and bonding, which can contribute to a positive emotional environment that supports cognitive development.
Bioavailability: Nutrients in breast milk are highly bioavailable, which means milk can be easily absorbed and utilized by the baby's growing brain.
What Are the Risks That Could Be Avoided on Long-Term Breastfeeding?
Infants are breastfed for different amounts of time depending on a number of factors. Breastfed infants have lowered risks of
- Asthma.
- Obesity.
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Severe lower respiratory disease.
- Acute otitis media (ear infections).
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting).
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for growing a baby. Lactating mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best start for the baby when compared to cow milk or formula milk. Mothers' milk helps in the proper development of the motor and sensory systems. The majority of mothers wish to breastfeed but start giving up too soon for lack of help and additional assistance.
