New Delhi.  Benefits of  Breast Feeding:  You must have heard many times that mother's milk is the healthiest food for the child in the first 6 months. Doctors also emphasize on this and the government also keeps promoting it from time to time to spread awareness about it. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits to the child, which is very important for all of us to know about. Let us tell you that it is not only important for the child but also for the mother.

That is why the first week of August is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. This year's theme is - Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all. Through this theme, an effort is made to create awareness about how the family and society can support breastfeeding women.

Dr. Tripti Raheja (Lead Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi) told some important things about why breast feeding is important for both the baby and the mother (Benefits of Breast Feeding). Let's know about this.

Why is mother's milk important for a child?

• Dr. Raheja said that breast feeding is very important for strengthening the immunity of the baby, because antibodies are present in breast milk. Especially IgA, which protects the mucus membrane of the child's throat, lungs and intestines.
• Breast milk contains white blood cells, which help the immune system fight diseases and infections. White blood cells are the soldiers of the body, which prevent germs from attacking.
• Breast milk also contains several proteins and enzymes, such as lactoferrin, lysosomes, and oligosaccharides, which help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Probiotic properties are also found in it, which helps in the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthens immunity .
• Breast milk also helps protect against allergies and inflammation because it contains anti-inflammatory elements such as cytokines.
• Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition to the baby, which helps in its better development. Protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates are found in breast milk.
• The baby does not have any problem in digesting breast milk. It is easily digested as compared to milk formula.
• Breast milk also helps protect children from digestive infections and diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Children who are breastfed have better IQ and brain development than children who are not breastfed.

How is breast feeding beneficial for the mother?

• Breastfeeding helps to strengthen the bond between mother and child. It gives the child a sense of security and also helps the mother to avoid postpartum depression.
• Breast feeding releases oxytocin in the mother, which causes contractions in the uterus and its size begins to become normal.
• Breastfeeding is also helpful in reducing weight gained during pregnancy, as it burns extra calories.
• Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, heart attack and osteoporosis .
• Breast feeding is more economical than milk formula.
• Dr. Raheja says that breast feeding should be started one hour after birth and should be continued for the next 6 months.