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AdvantagesNutritional BenefitsThe primary benefit of mothers milk is nutritional. Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth.Cow's milk contains a different type of protein than breast milk. This is good for calves, but human infants can have difficulty digesting it. Bottle-fed infants tend to be fatter than breast-fed infants, but not necessarily healthier. Health BenefitsBreast-fed babies have fewer illnesses because mothers milk transfers to the infant a mother's antibodies to disease. About 80 percent of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses. Breast-fed babies are protected, in varying degrees, from a number of illnesses, including pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to whatever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well.A breast-fed baby's digestive tract contains large amounts of Lactobacillus bifidus, beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms. Mothers milk straight from the breast is always sterile, never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles, which can also lead to diarrhea in the infant. Human milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. No babies are allergic to their mother's milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself. Sucking at the breast promotes good jaw development as well. It's harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth. The baby at the breast also can control the flow of milk by sucking and stopping. With a bottle, the baby must constantly suck or react to the pressure of the nipple placed in the mouth Psychological BenefitsNursing may have psychological benefits for the infant as well, creating an early emotional attachment between mother and child. At birth, infants see only 12 to 15 inches, the distance between a nursing baby and its mother's face. Studies have found that infants as young as 1 week prefer the smell of their own mother's milk.Many psychologists believe the nursing baby enjoys a sense of security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there is skin-to-skin contact during feeding. Nursing becomes more than a way to feed a baby; it's a source of warmth and comfort Benefits to the motherBreastfeeding has a number of benefits for the mother aswell as for the baby, these include:
DisadvantagesEngorgementCausesDuring the first week after delivery, as the colostrum is changing to mature milk, your breasts will become full. This normal postnatal fullness usually diminishes within 3-5 days. Engorgement may develop if your baby does not remove enough of the milk from your breasts. During this time, your breasts will feel hard, painful and hot.Prevention/Treatment
Sore NipplesCausesNipple tenderness is common for most women in the first week of breastfeeding. The most common cause of sore nipples is bad positioning during feeding or poor latch on. If the pain is severe or lasts more than a couple of days, you should contact your doctor, you may have thrush.Thrush is a yeast infection that can travel between your breast and your baby's mouth. Thrush can make nursing very painful, but it is usually easily treatable. You should also contact your doctor if you have persistent, blistering, cracking or bleeding nipples. Prevention/Treatment
MastitisCausesMastitis is an inflamation of the breast which may or may not be caused by an infection. It is caused by a blockage of the ducts in the breast. Some of the symptoms of mastitis include:
Prevention/Treatment
Inadequate Milk SupplyCausesThe baby’s milk demand or milk use determines the mother’s supply. Checking weight and growth frequently is the best way to ensure your baby is taking enough milkPrevention/Treatment
Leaking BreastsCausesIt is not uncommon for mothers milk to leak or drip during the first few weeks, especially if it is your first baby. The leaking should improve and resolve with timePrevention/Treatment
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