The brain undergoes a rapid growth during the first three years of life. During this early stages, a child’s brain is susceptible to cognitive development. Further, early brain development leads to early literacy. Thus, it plays a pivotal role in contributing to an individual’s ability to learn and succeed in life.

Science behind Breastfeeding and early brain development

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition which babies need during the first six months of life, helping them to prevent illness and boost brain development. It is ideal food for infants as it contains a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals vital for early child development and also enhances healthy brain development. Similarly, the process also protects mothers against deadly illnesses and has many other beneficial effects.

A study says it is important to have Mother-to child touch and an emotional bond is developed during breastfeeding. This bonding plays an important role in strengthening a child’s sensory and emotional circuitry which further helps in cognitive and social-emotional development. A child who is exclusively on breast milk for six months of life will foster better growth and development. Breast milk contains a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been considered a key explanation for neurodevelopmental benefits of breast milk.

It contains significant quantities of cholesterol, an indispensable component of myelin membranes. These benefits have been largely attributed to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), an important constituent of human milk. Sialic Acid is one of the major contributor which infants get from Breast milk. It is a key molecule essential for proper development of gangliosides, and hence critical in brain development and function.

Other benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers include:

1. For most babies, mother’s breast milk provides an adequate amount of nutrition.

2. The baby develops antibodies from the mother through breastfeeding. The antibodies play an important role in protecting the baby from various illnesses. Also, the antibodies will help develop a strong immune system and protect the babies from severe infections.

3. Helps mother reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

4. Breastfeeding helps moms to reduce weight from pregnancy at a faster pace.

5. Lowers risk of postpartum depression, postpartum bleeding and the risk of urinary tract infections.

6. Aids positive mood.

7. Emotionally, breastfeeding boosts the level of soothing hormones including prolactin and oxytocin which helps with stress reduction.

Also Read: Breast feeding benefits and natural remedies to improve breast milk 

Conclusion

There is evidence that breastfeeding has benefits which enhances a child’s neurodevelopment. It is proven that breastmilk is far more nutritive than formula milk. It is advisable for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months as it acts as the baby’s first vaccine. It is the best vaccine to protect the child from certain diseases and any form of malnutrition.

Dr. Gowri Ravi Chinthalapalli

Consultant – Child Development

Aster CMI Hospital

The post Benefits of breastfeeding – How breast milk promotes healthy brain development? appeared first on Health Vision.

The survey findings revealed that top places where Indian mothers have breastfed their children included their own car (94%), public transport like metro, bus, train, airplane (83%), restaurants, mall/office car parking (60%) and trial rooms (47%). Indian office-going mothers stated that they have also breastfed in their office (60%) and in the car parking of their office (47%). However, only 6% of Indian mothers found a designated breastfeeding area to comfortably nurse their children. Unsurprisingly, 81% of Indian moms mentioned that they feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public places in India because of the constant staring. An unfortunate result is that a majority of nursing mothers prefer to stay home in order to breastfeed comfortably.

When asked about the barriers to breastfeeding comfortably in India, 53% of moms cited the lack of hygienic, appropriate or safe spaces while 47% said that it is the lack of privacy and constant staring by people that hinders comfortable breastfeeding.

Speaking on the survey results, Parul Ohri, Founding Partner & Chief Editor, Momspresso, says, “While there has been extensive conversation around the benefits of breastfeeding, much less has been spoken about the actual challenges of breastfeeding at work and in public places. New mothers are intent on breastfeeding to ensure their babies get the best nutritional start possible, but they also need that intent to be supported by simple facilities such as a designated breastfeeding space in public areas such as restaurants, banks, offices, and malls. Our survey presents clear data to indicate how the lack of hygienic and private spaces in the public domain are proving to be barriers to breastfeeding.“

The survey report, released on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, is aligned to the global theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” that refers to collective social responsibility or a warm chain of support to create an enabling environment that empowers mothers to breastfeed optimally. World over and in India, celebrities and new moms including Beyonce, Sameera Reddy, Soha Ali Khan and Game of Thrones (GOT) actress Gemma Wheelan took to social media in order to address issues related to public breastfeeding.  On the onset of World Breastfeeding Week, celebrity and new mother, Neha Dhupia has launched an initiative #Freedomtofeed.  The intiative is aimed at encouraging women to share the stories of motherhood.

“Another objective of our survey is for people to understand everyone plays a part in the successful breastfeeding journey of a mother.  You will cringe when you read about the most awkward places where mums have breastfed their babies- a broom closet of an airport, a crowded beach, under a tree, waiting area of a passport office, bank queue, employee changing room without a chair …this list is quite an eye-opener. This survey provides more than enough information to warrant a policy change in public infrastructure to help mothers breastfeed successfully, no matter where they are.” said Parul

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