Breastfeeding or nursing is feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman's breast . It is recommended to begin breastfeeding immediately after birth.The duration of a feeding is usually about ten to fifteen minutes on each breast. The frequency of feeding decreases as the child gets older.

NB: Milk quality may be compromised by smoking , caffeinated drinks , marijuana , methamphetamine , heroin and methadone.


BENEFIT OF BREAST FEEDING TO MOTHERS

Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include less blood loss following delivery, better uterus shrinkage( as a result of the release of the hormone called oxytocin) , weight loss due to the amount of calories being burnt, and less postpartum depression . It also increases the time before menstruation and fertility returns, known as lactational amenorrhea . Long term benefits may include a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease , and lower the risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Breastfeeding is less expensive for the family than infant formula .


BENEFIT OF BREAST FEEDING TO CHILDREN

Breastfeeding decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections and diarrhea . Other benefits include a lower risk of asthma, food allergies , celiac disease , type 1 diabetes, and leukemia . Breastfeeding may also improve cognitive development and decrease the risk of obesity. It create bond between the mother and the child.


EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as "an infant's consumption of human milk with no supplementation of any type (no water, no juice, no nonhuman milk and no foods) except for vitamins, minerals and medications". Exclusive breastfeeding has reduced infant deaths in developing countries by reducing diarrhea and infectious diseases.


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