Breastfeeding Guide: Benefits of Breastfeeding for the baby and the mother

New Born

Article

Mar 4, 2025

3 mins

Breastfeeding is a gift of nature that provides nourishment and nurturing for a baby, allowing mothers to give their child the best start in life. Breast milk is the perfect combination of nutrients, hormones, biological compounds, and immunity providing the perfect balance for a baby's growth and development. The beauty of breastfeeding lies in its simplicity and ability to promote closeness and love and its lasting impact.

Colostrum: The First Superfood

The first milk (colostrum) is often called liquid gold. Rich in proteins, antibodies, and essential nutrients, it protects infants from infections and promotes the health of their digestive systems in their early years. Colostrum is low in fat and high in immunoglobulins, which strengthens the baby's immune system.¹

Note: Prioritize skin-to-skin contact with your baby right after birth and initiate breastfeeding within the first hour to help your baby receive this precious first milk. This also helps transfer beneficial bacteria from the mother's skin, supporting the baby's developing microbiome.

Boosting Immune System Health

Breast milk is rich in white blood cells or the infection fighting cells of the body, antibodies, enzymes, and Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) that protect newborns from infections, support gut health, support brain development, and nourish beneficial bacteria, providing essential immunity in the early stages of life.²

Note: Breast milk is the natural defense system for your little one.

Brain Development

Breastfeeding has been associated with infant brain development by providing essential nutrients like docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, HMOs, which is essential for brain growth and development.³

Note: Breastfeeding enhances mother-infant bonding, fostering emotional and cognitive growth.

Age-appropriate growth

Breast milk composition varies adjusting to the baby’s nutritional needs. The initial milk is richer in protein, while the later milk (hindmilk) is thicker and higher in fat, crucial for the baby’s weight gain.⁴

Note: Ensure that the baby nurses long enough on one breast before switching.

Long-term Health Benefits

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against long-term illnesses. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes. Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach issues.⁵

Note: Breastfeeding enhances your baby's lifelong health by reducing the risk of infections while strengthening immunity.

Emotional and Psychological Health Benefits

Breastfeeding strengthens the mother-child bond by encouraging emotional intimacy and skin-to-skin contact. This promotes safe attachment, reduces infant stress, and promotes social and emotional development. ⁶

Note: Breastfeeding promotes a closer relationship with your baby and supports your own emotional well-being as well.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mother's Health

Breastfeeding improves mother's health by reducing the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.⁷ It also avoids subsequent pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and nursing play a vital role in a baby's long-term health, immunity, emotional well-being, and overall nourishment. Providing this essential foundation ensures your baby receives the best start in life, giving them the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Dr. Dhanasekhar Kesavelu

Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai, India

Medically reviewed

References

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