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Benefits of Breast Milk

1. Breast milk contains all the necessary ingredients that the child needs in the first 4-6 months of life.

2. Breast milk contains the suitable proteins and fats to satisfy the natural needs of the child.

3. There are higher quantities of lactose in breast milk than other types of milk, as this is what is needed by the child.

4. There are enough vitamins in the breast milk, ensuring that no extra vitamins or fruit juices are needed.

5. The iron in breast milk is enough for the child. Even though the levels are not very high, the child’s ability to absorb the necessary amount is very good.

6. Breast milk contains enough water for the child, even if one lives in a dry climate.

7. Breast milk contains enough salt, calcium and phosphate for the child.

8. Breast milk contains the enzyme lipase that digests fats.

9. The breastfed child is less susceptible to infections due to increased immunity.

10. Breast milk is the most important protector against two main causes of death among children: diarrhetic illnesses and respiratory infections.

11. Being breast fed reduces illnesses resulting from allergies such as asthma, eczema, etc, and helps prevent or reduce some diseases when the child is in the teenage years and above.

12. Diabetes and some digestive problems are found less in breast fed children.

13. Breast feeding helps ill children recover faster; therefore, it is important that it is not stopped during this time.

14. Breast milk is easy and quick to digest, therefore, breastfed children tend to get hungry faster than children fed on other types of milk.

15. Breast milk is always ready and has no need for any preparation.

16. Breast milk never spoils or becomes sour, even if the child hasn’t fed for a few days.

17. Regular feeding, and feeding when the child desires it, prevents conception.

18. The regular contact between mother and child in the first days of its life increases the spiritual and physical bond between the two, leading to a deep and loving relationship and better training and fostering of the child.

19. Breast milk doesn’t require any expenses.

20. Breastfed children develop sight and talking and walking skills faster.

21. The sucking of the child soon after birth causes the stimulation of oxytocin which results in the contraction of the womb, and thus less bleeding from the mother.

22. Mothers that breastfeed are less likely to get breast or ovary cancer.

23. Breastfeeding women return to their pre-pregnancy body sooner, as their maternal fat is being used up faster.

24. Breast milk of the mother changes according to the daily needs of the child. There are also differences between mothers depending on the needs of their children, e.g. the milk of a mother of a premature child and the milk of a mother of a full term child.

25. Breastfed childfcren are more intelligent even as newborns (i.e. the first four weeks of their lives). Research has shown that these children move more in the first two weeks and show more reactions than other children.
26. Adults who were breastfed tend to be more stable and temperate by nature.

Adapted from the book: "From Marriage to Parenthood; The Heavenly Path" by: "Abbas and Shahin Merali"

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