Breast milk production is a natural process during the birth of a child in a mother, which is accompanied by low levels of progesterone. In the alveoli, milk accumulates, which through special ducts enters the nipple. The clotting process provokes the release of hormones into the mother’s blood. Suppose a mother begins to breastfeed immediately after giving birth. Breastfeeding is essential for the development of the baby’s cognitive and mental abilities, visual acuity and psychomotor development, bite formation, and speech development (Nuzzi et al., 2021). Even for a mother, this process contains a lot of advantages that affect psychological and physical health, prevent the development of diseases, and improve well-being.
Such a product is a nature-adapted product for babies, as it supplies their bodies with all the necessary elements that they require in the first months of life. Besides that, breast milk provides substances covering the baby’s unique needs – essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and easily digestible iron. Moreover, more than 1,000 proteins help children grow and develop, strengthen their immune systems, and form and protect brain neurons (Boquien, 2018). It is strictly not recommended to neglect this possibility since breast milk is in every possible helpful way for the child and the recovery of the mother’s body after childbirth. This paper presents the main advantages of this natural process.
A responsible mother’s attitude towards breastfeeding is in line with the goals at the national level. Healthy People 2020 targets include reducing the rate of infant deaths that can be caused by weak immunity in the absence of breast milk or mothers who refuse to feed (Healthy People 2020, 2022). Many hormones, growth factors, vitamins, and antibodies that promote the development of immunity, bones, teeth, and more also form the basis of a mother’s milk. Bad maternal habits hinder the transfer of nutrients, and reducing relapse is also a Healthy People 2020 priority (Healthy People 2020, 2022). The mother becomes responsible for two lives, starting from the moment of pregnancy, and the rejection of such weaknesses is much more beneficial than potential harm, blocking the entry of essential substances for the development of the baby’s body.
Although breastfeeding can be quite stressful in the first weeks, once it becomes a habit for a mother and baby, it is worth paying attention to its benefits and convenience. Breastfeeding can be done at any time effortlessly and without the hassle of boiling, cooling, mixing, or sanitizing formulas. In addition, breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and thus leads to the cessation of menstruation, which is a benefit for many mothers (Nuzzi et al., 2021). When the baby wakes up at night to eat, breastfeeding is the quickest and easiest way. The release of oxytocin that occurs with each breastfeeding helps strengthen the baby’s emotional bond. Scientists have established a relationship between elevated oxytocin levels and so-called “expressed maternal behavior,” which means that the mother looks at the baby longer, is more receptive to their needs, and shows more care (Nuzzi et al., 2021). Finally, feeding burns more than 500 calories a day, which will help mothers shed those extra pounds gained during pregnancy or allow them to eat a couple of different cakes without any consequences for the figure. There is no reason to refuse to breastfeed if the milk flow is plentiful and without problems.
References
Boquien, C. Y. (2018). Human milk: An ideal food for nutrition of preterm newborn. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6, 295. Web.
Healthy People 2020. (2022). Maternal, infant, and child health objectives. Web.
Nuzzi, G., Trambusti, I., ME, D. C., & Peroni, D. G. (2021). Breast milk: More than just nutrition! Minerva Pediatrics, 73(2), 111-114. Web.