Breastfeeding always has been the criterion standard for infant feeding. Prior to the advent of commercial formulas, breastfeeding was, in truth, the only way to feed an infant.
Exclusive breastfeeding is defined by the WHO as feeding an infant exclusively with only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. During this period, no other liquids or solids are given not even water with the exception of oral rehydration solution, syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.
The baby should be breastfeed whenever he or she wants, day and night (on demand), which stimulates the breasts to produce an adequate supply of breast milk.
Importance of exclusive breastfeeding to the infant.
1.Provides the baby with colostrum in the first few days.2.Breast milk contains antibodies that help baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
3.Breastfeeding lowers baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies.
4.babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
5.Breast milk boost babe’s immunity.
Importance of exclusive breastfeeding to the mother
1.Breastfeeding burns extra calories,which can help lose pregnancy weight faster.
2.It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
3.Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis.
4. It is inexpensive and readily available to the infant.
Breastfeeding remains the superior form of infant nutriture and also serves as an extrauterine directive of immune development.
MERCY NAA-OYOO QUARTEY
WISCONSIN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE-GHANA
TERTIARY STUDENT NURSE OF THE YEAR’21(GTPA 21).
Source: MyGhanaMedia.com
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