The Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby
Carene The Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby: A Comprehensive Overview
"Breast milk is all that a baby needs for optimal growth and development from birth to about 6 months"
Breastfeeding is known to be the “gold standard” of infant feeding, but do you know why?
Most of society has become more persistent and persuasive towards promoting breastfeeding. This is because we have gone full circle. We have gone from having breastfeeding as the only option, to finding alternative milks, to promoting alternative milk as the most appealing option, to seeing the aftereffects of decreased breastfeeding, and now we have gone back to strongly promoting breastfeeding as the biological norm for infant feeding.
Large healthcare governing bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have realized how many lives can be saved through breastfeeding and therefore breastfeeding is strongly recommended as the primary infant feeding method. They estimated that 823 000 infant deaths could be prevented through better breastfeeding practices (UNICEF, 2020).
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential process that nourishes infants and establishes a strong foundation for lifelong health. The advantages of breastfeeding go far beyond nutrition, contributing to the baby’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Whether you’re a new parent or expecting, it’s important to understand why breastfeeding is often recommended as the optimal way to feed your baby. It may contribute to your decisions and perseverance.
In this blog, we will explore and unpack some of the many benefits breastfeeding offers for infants, backed by scientific evidence and expert recommendations.
1. Optimal Nutrition
Breast milk is well known to be the “perfect nutrition” for babies. It contains the ideal balance of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, tailored specifically to a baby’s needs. Breast milk is all that a baby needs for optimal growth and development from birth to about 6 months, after which complimentary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues for 2 years or beyond (WHO, 2024). The composition changes over time to meet the evolving needs of the growing infant.
Colostrum, produced in small amounts during the first few days after birth, is rich in antibodies and nutrients that protect and nourish the newborn. It is also contains primarily whey proteins and is lower in lactose, which aids in the digestion.
Mature breast milk, which comes in after a few days after birth, contains the right amounts of fat, carbohydrates in the form of lactose, water, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. This special combination of nutrients and bioactive components provide every thing the baby needs to grow and develop optimally. The composition may adjust according to the baby’s needs, making it truly unique and specific to the mother and baby dyad.
"WHO actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children, and is working to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months up to at least 50% by 2025."
2. Boosts the Immune System
One of the most significant benefits of breastfeeding is the immune properties and protection that it provides. Breast milk is packed with antibodies and immune-boosting cells that protect the baby from infections and illnesses.
- Immunoglobulins present in breast milk help the baby fight off bacteria and viruses. The immunoglobulin that is most abundant in breast milk, has the ability to bind to pathogens which prevents them from adhering and infecting the immature gut. This lowers the risk of respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and ear infections. Other immunoglobulins that can be transferred into breast milk assist with protecting the baby from any pathogens that the mother may be exposed to, acting as a type of vaccination against certain viruses. Studies have shown that breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, and obesity later in life.
- Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, together with their fuel are transferred through breast milk. When these bacteria thrive in the gut, other harmful organisms are less likely to grow and take over. Resulting in healthy microbiome, which strengthens the integrity of the intestinal barrier, further preventing inflammatory responses.
- Immune boosting proteins such as Lactoferrin is abundant in breast milk, and elicits an array immune properties. It has the ability to bind to iron, which reduces its availability for bacteria to grow. Lysozyme is another protein that acts as a natural antibiotic. These are particularly helpful in reducing sepsis and other inflammatory gut conditions such as diarrhoea.
3. Supports Healthy Growth and Development
Breastfeeding is not only about providing essential nutrients; it also helps support optimal growth. Breastfed babies tend to have healthier weight gain patterns compared to formula-fed infants. This can be attributed to the fact that the protein content in human milk is lower than that of artificial milk formulations. This promotes stable weight gain and a reduced risk of obesity as a result.
Uniquely, breast milk also contains hormones, neuropeptides and growth factors that contribute to growth, development, as well as self-regulation of food intake. Breast milk contains both an appetite suppressant called leptin, and the appetite stimulating hormone called ghrelin. These hormones are delivered at suitable intervals, as well as at specific concentration differences, which may contribute to the better self-regulation of intake compared to formula-fed infants.
"...breastfeeding can significantly reduce the financial burden on families..."
4. Promotes Emotional Bonding
Breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional connection between the mother and baby. The physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact, and eye contact during breastfeeding strengthen the bond, helping the baby feel secure and comforted. This emotional attachment can have long-term positive effects on the baby’s emotional development and mental well-being.
- Babies who are breastfed tend to be less fussy and more easily soothed due to the calming effect of being close to their mother.
- The release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” during breastfeeding contributes to the nurturing bond.
5. Improves Cognitive Development
Research has shown that breastfed babies tend to score higher on cognitive development tests later in life. The unique composition of breast milk, including fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid), plays a vital role in brain and visual development. Not only does breast milk provide the nutrients that promote brain development, but the mere act of breastfeeding increases neuronal firing, further promoting brain development. This early boost in cognitive skills can lead to improved IQ scores, better academic performance, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
6. Reduces the Risk of SIDS
Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While the exact reasons are not fully understood. It is believed that breast-fed infants are more easily aroused compared to those that are formula fed. Research findings illustrate a dose dependent relation with breastfeeding duration and reduction in SIDS risk. The reduction in risk was found to be a significant 73% for infants who were exclusively breast fed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommend breastfeeding as the main intervention to reduce the incidence of SIDS, irrespective of the sleeping position (Pediatrics, 2011).
7. Promotes Gut Health
Breast milk is the ultimate fuel for building a healthy gut. It provides both the beneficial live bacteria, as well as the substrate to feed these bacterial colonies, creating and maturing a strong microbiome. Ongoing research is finding that growing and supporting a balanced microbiome is the key to maintaining health in various aspects. This strong gut health foundation can lead to better digestion, fewer gastrointestinal issues, and a lower risk of conditions like colic and constipation.
Other than providing the elements that protect and mature the gut, breast milk provides elements that aid in the digestion process. The enzyme lactase is present in breast milk, which is responsible for digesting the lactose the predominant carbohydrate found in breast milk.
8. Convenient and Cost-Effective
For many parents, one of the practical benefits of breastfeeding is its convenience. Breast milk is always available, at the right temperature, and requires no preparation. This makes feeding easier, especially during nighttime or while traveling. In certain areas, access to clean safe water is limited, adding significant risk to illness and even death when formula cannot be prepared safely.
Additionally, breastfeeding can significantly reduce the financial burden on families by eliminating the need for formula, bottles, and feeding supplies. Using formula as the primary feed could cost approximately R1800 to R6500 per month.
9. Long-Term Health Benefits
The advantages of breastfeeding extend well into adulthood. Studies have shown that breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer later in life. These long-term health benefits highlight how breastfeeding sets the stage for a healthier future.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding offers unparalleled benefits for babies, from providing the best nutrition to supporting cognitive and emotional development. While it may not be the right choice for every family, the numerous health advantages make it a highly recommended option for those who can. Whether you breastfeed for a few weeks, months, or years, every bit of breastfeeding contributes positively to your baby’s health and well-being. In my opinion, it is the greatest investment in your child’s health and well-being and therefore it should be pursued as much as possible.
If you are considering breastfeeding, remember that support from healthcare professionals and loved ones can make the journey smoother and more rewarding. You do not have to do it alone.
By C. Joubert
September 2024
References:
Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health. Nutrients. 2020
World Health Organization. Breastfeeding, 2024
Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dyad. National Institute of Health. 2013
SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Expansion of Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics. 2011
