**WHY BREASTMILK IS BETTER** VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MOTHERS

breastfeeding has been thoroughly researched by several health and medical agencies and the benefits are numerous, both to the infant and as well as the mother.

The world health organization recommends that nursing mothers should breast feed exclusively for the first six to twelve months, and here are some benefits of adhering to this.

1.INFANT IMMUNITY

The first milk produced by the mother's breast called Colostrum contains antibodies that will protect the baby and combat initial bacterial and viral infections, these antibodies are transfered on to the baby as breastfeeding takes place

Some prominent researches have shown that breastfed babies possess better antibody response to vaccines than babies fed with formula, and they generally have a stronger immune system.

2.BEST NUTRITION THE BABY NEEDS AT THE MOMENT

Breast milk contains the perfect combination of vitamins, fats, sugar and proteins required for infancy and it is also more readily digestible than fed formula.

3.OVERALL HEALTH

Breastfed babies have very little chances of being affected by chronic illness during their life time, illnesses such as diabetes type 1 &2

Other conditions like Crohns disease. Cold, Flu, Asthma, and pneumonia occur very little often in breastfed children.

Also the occurrence of SIDS (SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME) is sometimes or almost never experienced. likewise childhood cancers and leukemia.

So it is safe to say that breastfeeding is the way forward, and mothers have nothing to lose, its a win win situation.

4.WIZ KIDS

Though still being debated on, studies show that breastfed children perform very well academically.

Although other reasons may be attributed to the displayed brilliance as such frequent studying, personal discipline, always being attentive in class

Still to ascertain this theory Dr. Michael Kramer of McGill University, carried out a research on 14,000 kids. He reached a conclusion that babies that were breastfed possed higher IQ and were more intelligent than babies that were not breastfed.

5.LITTLE OR NO CHANCE OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The issue of Childhood obesity has become a serious topic amongst young children, as some keep getting fat and fatter.

Breastfeeding makes sure the weight of the child is within a healthy range. This could be attributed to the presence of Leptin Hormone in the milk, which control appetite and fat preservation

Generally studies show that obesity rates are about 16-48% lower in breast fed babies depending on how long a baby is breastfed, using data from babies breast fed from 4 to 12 months

The longer the months the baby is breast fed, the lower the risks. Every month accounts for about 4% decreased risk, so if a child is breastfeed for only 3 months the obesity risk would only be decreased by 12%

6.ENHANCES LOVE AND AFFECTION

The oxytocin secreted during breastfeeding promotes enhanced affection and love, confidence and builds trust between mother and baby.

It wards off mood swings and postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding is therefore a good way to build and nurture strong relationship with your child.

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PHOTO: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images

**HAPPY SUNDAY GREAT STEEMIANS