World Breastfeeding Week: 7 Reasons Why Breastfeeding Is A Must

As the world commemorates another 'World breastfeeding Week' it is imperative to enlighten people, particularly women and prospective mothers on the importance of breastfeeding a child.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastfeeding a child is one of the most effective way to ensure the child's health and survival. It is highly recommended that nursing mothers practise 'Exclusive Breastfeeding'.

Exclusive breastfeeding is when a baby feeds on only breastmilk for the first six months of it's life. This is because the breastmilk contains all of the balanced nutrient that an infant needs at that stage.

With this year's theme as 'Protecting Breastfeeding, a Shared Responsibility', here are seven reasons why breastfeeding should be encouraged;

1. The breastmilk contains all of the requisite vitamins, proteins and fat that a baby needs to grow adequately.
2. Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of obesity at infancy or when it grows older.
3. Research has revealed that breastfeeding a child improves its IQ scores.
4. Breastmilk helps in building up antibodies that fights infections and reduces the risk of asthma & other allergic reactions.
5. For a nursing mother, breastfeeding accelerates losing pregnancy weight.
6. It reduces the risk of weak bone also known as Osteoporosis.
7. The breastfeeding process helps the mother form a stronger bond with her baby.