Breast Fed Infants Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Breast Fed Infants?

Breastfeeding an infant is a natural and beneficial way to provide sustenance for babies. Breast fed infants have numerous advantages compared to formula-fed babies, including improved health, lower risk of infection, and increased bonding between mother and child. In terms of health benefits, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old. Studies show that breastfed babies have less chance of developing illnesses such as diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory tract infections or meningitis when compared to formula-fed infants. This is due to the fact that mothers’ milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from illness and disease. Furthermore, research has shown that breast milk helps prevent allergies in babies; this is because it contains proteins which are not found in infant formula and are better at promoting gut development. The WHO also states that breastmilk provides all of the necessary nutrition for healthy development during infancy; this means no additional vitamins or minerals need to be given besides those already found in a mother’s milk supply. While there are clear medical benefits associated with breastfeeding, there are also many emotional advantages for both baby and mother alike. Skin-to-skin contact helps form an important bond between mother and child; research has shown that it increases levels of oxytocin in both parties which leads to feelings of trust and comfort for the infant as well as aiding postpartum recovery for mothers by stabilizing their hormones. Breastfeeding can also be comforting for infants; studies have shown that it can lead to improved sleep patterns due both its nutritional content as well as psychological effects on the baby’s developing brain chemistry. Overall, breastfeeding an infant provides multiple physical and emotional benefits which can be beneficial throughout life if done correctly under medical supervision.