Breastfeeding:
Production of milk in the mammary glands is called Breastfeeding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom:
1. It is the natural way of contraception and birth spacing.
2. It gives protection against obesity because body fat is used for milk synthesis.
3. Prolonged lactation provides protection against breast cancer.
4. Breastfeeding creates an emotional bonding between mother and child.
5. Oxytocin released during lactation acts on the uterine myometrium and helps it to inoculate for this period.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby:
1. It is a naturally balanced diet for the baby.
2. It protects the baby from infections as it possesses immunoglobulin, lymphocytes, lysozymes, etc.
3. Human milk is easily digestible by its digestive properties.
4. Various growth-promoting factors such as epidermal growth factors, and insulin are present in human milk.
5. It is sterile, and inexpensive, and chances of allergy to breast milk are rare.