BENEFITS SUMMARIZED BREASTFEEDING

1. Supplying all nutrients to the infant
Breast milk is produced in a balanced way and contains adequate levels of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water to support the baby's growth and development. Ideally, the baby consumes all the milk from one breast before passing to the other, as this way he receives all the nutrients from the complete breastfeeding.

2. Facilitate digestion
Breast milk is easily digested by the baby's intestine, which favors an adequate absorption of nutrients and an increase in the frequency of breastfeeding, providing more calories and food to the baby. In cases where the child consumes powdered infant formulas, digestion is slower, as no artificial milk is as good as breast milk.

3. Reduce colic
The easy digestibility of breast milk also helps to avoid problems such as gas and intestinal colic; it also contains substances responsible for protecting and repairing the delicate intestine of the newborn.

4. Prevent anemia
Breast milk contains a type of iron that is highly absorbed by the baby's intestine and also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are important for the production of red blood cells, the cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

5. Avoid diarrhea
Breast milk is rich in bacteria that colonize the newborn's intestine and make up its intestinal flora, acting as a protective barrier that also helps in digestion and in the regulation of intestinal transit.

6. Strengthen the immune system
Because it is rich in antibodies produced by the mother, breast milk is a natural form of defense for the baby, protecting it against problems such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, earaches and intestinal disorders.

This helps prevent serious illnesses early in the newborn's life, and if the newborn becomes ill, the mother's body increases the amount of proteins and defense cells in the milk, thus facilitating the baby's recovery.

7. Develop the nervous system
Breast milk is rich in DHA, a type of "good" fat that is involved in the formation of neurons and promotes memory, learning and attention. DHA is one of the components of omega-3, a nutrient equally important in preventing neurological problems such as ADHD, Alzheimer's and dementia. Learn about other benefits of omega-3.

8. Prevent obesity
Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, children who were breastfed during infancy have a lower risk of developing problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiac disorders throughout their lives.

9. Always be ready to be consumed
Besides being the best food for the baby, breast milk is always ready, at the right temperature and free of contamination that could cause diarrhea and infections in the newborn. On the other hand, breast milk can be expressed and preserved. Learn how to store and thaw breast milk.

10. Prevent allergies
Babies who are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age are less likely to develop food allergies, especially allergies to milk, soy, seafood, eggs and peanuts. Learn what not to eat during breastfeeding to avoid problems in your baby.

Benefits of breast milk for the mother
Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby, but also offers many benefits for the mother, including the following:

Promote faster weight loss after childbirth, as breastfeeding burns an additional 500 calories per day to create and maintain the milk supply;
Help faster recovery after childbirth by stimulating the uterus to contract back to normal size and decrease postpartum hemorrhage;
Reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure;
Lower risk of urinary tract infections;
Less chance of anemia;
Increased mother's confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to that, breastfeeding helps the mother maintain a healthier emotional state, with less risk of postpartum depression, as breastfeeding produces naturally calming hormones, such as oxytocin and prolactin, which promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother.

Another very important aspect is that breastfeeding increases the physical and emotional bond between mother and child, promotes greater skin-to-skin contact, more hugs and caresses. Breastfeeding mothers learn to read their children's signals and babies learn to trust their caregivers. This helps shape the baby's early behavior.