Human milk is recommended as the optimal source of nutrition for infants by multiple medical organizations.[1] Human milk contains far more than a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients; it contains living cells, growth factors, and immunoreactive substances, most of which can withstand an infant’s digestive enzymes.[2][3] Breastfed infants have a reduced risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases,[4] as well as a lower prevalence of dental malocclusions (crooked teeth).[5] Breastfeeding may even reduce the infant’s risk of developing chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes[6] and obesity[7], although data on these long-term outcomes are subject to certain limitations (e.g., confounding). In addition, the skin-to-skin contact accompanying breastfeeding may contribute positively to parent-infant bonding and infant emotional resilience.[8]
What are some of the benefits of breastmilk for the baby?
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•Last Updated: October 13, 2024