Breast milk and its effect on the physical and mental condition of the child
Health and well-being of the body is not an issue that arises in one or two years, but should be considered in the long term. One of the most important health factors in people is their childhood and infancy and the amount of milk they used.
Health is one of the great blessings of God without which life is not enjoyable. In order to benefit from this unique blessing, in addition to observing health standards, one should have a proper and proper diet throughout life.
Since the childhood stage (which is to some extent the period of personality formation and physical and mental development) is of exceptional importance for ensuring human health throughout life and infancy is the most sensitive stage of the child’s growth and development, therefore in this period of life More attention should be paid to taking care of child’s nutrition and health.
After birth, the fastest stage of growth is infancy, and Hazrat Ali (AS) said in this regard: “For a nursing child, there is no milk more blessed than its mother’s milk.”
Research shows that those who spent their childhood with the precious blessing of mother’s milk, in their old age are much less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases than those whose infancy was deprived of mother’s milk.
The composition of mother’s milk changes little by little from birth to the end of the breastfeeding period to suit the needs of the child, and this causes the child to always benefit from the most reliable and appropriate nutrition.
From the moment of birth to the end of six months, mother’s milk alone can provide all the nutritional needs of the infant which is necessary for his natural growth.
Living cells and various antimicrobial agents in breast milk (which are present in higher concentrations in colostrum) can destroy bacteria, viruses and parasites, and as a result, the possibility of the infant suffering from many infections, especially gastrointestinal infections and reduce respiratory and middle ear; Even in case of contracting the disease, the severity and possibility of death in a breastfed baby is much less than other infants.
The incidence of asthma, eczema and all kinds of allergies in infants who use breast milk is much lower; Therefore, in families where one of the members, especially the father or mother, is suffering from some type of allergic disease, feeding with breast milk should be selective feeding, and the use of any other type of milk will be harmful and cause allergies in the later stages of life. .
The fat and protein of breast milk are digested and absorbed better than other types of milk; For this reason, colic pains, gas accumulation, vomiting and protein sensitivity are less observed in these infants.
Breast milk fat is less at the beginning of each breastfeeding and then its amount gradually increases. These changes greatly help in keeping the infant full and gaining weight. Due to the presence of more fat in the milk at the end of each feeding, the infant is fully satisfied, does not overeat, and as a result becomes less fat. Obesity during this period in artificially fed infants is the basis of cardiovascular and local complications and diabetes in adulthood.
Breast milk alone provides up to a third of the energy and nutrients a child needs in the second year of life, so it is better to use breast milk together with family food until the end of two years.
The amount of sodium and protein in breast milk is enough that it does not harm the undeveloped kidneys of the baby and it has the right temperature, free of microbial contamination and available to the infant.
According to experts, breastfeeding increases the emotional relationship between mother and child. The contact and attention of the mother to the infant during breastfeeding has a favorable effect on the mental and emotional development of the infant; To the extent that children fed with mother’s milk during puberty have more psychological security.
Skin contact between mother and baby plays a vital role in keeping warm and improving the growth and development of premature and sick babies.
Diarrhea is much less in breastfed babies.
Infants absorb the calcium of breast milk better than artificial milk due to the proportional ratio of calcium and phosphorus in it, and according to this, calcium deficiency in feeding with breast milk is less reported.
Breastfed babies have less dental problems caused by pacifiers and artificial feeding and tooth decay.
The IQ of infants who are fed with breast milk is higher than that of infants who are artificially fed.
In addition to the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers also benefit from feeding their infants.
Improving emotional conditions, physical fitness, solving physical problems during pregnancy are among the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.
Based on the above information, we understand that breastfeeding not only guarantees the health of the child’s body, but if the important points regarding the relationship between the mother and the baby are paid attention to, the baby will not have any mental problems and will face fewer problems in the future. become In addition to this, the mother will also benefit from benefits such as the benefits of her child, and this is why the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said: “The reward of a guard and fighter in the way of God is for a mother who breastfeeds her child herself.”
source: Aftab