Infants and toddlers have a weak immune as well as physiological system. In order to provide them with the nourishment they require and boost their immunity, breast milk or a mother’s milk is important. Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding toddlers. First and foremost, breast milk is one of the major sources of nutrients for babies and toddlers. It provides them with essential nutrient components and helps in the development and functioning of all the biological systems of the toddlers’ body. One of the other benefits of breastfeeding toddlers is that it enhances their immune system. A mother’s milk has antibodies that help prevent various infections.
Also, breastfeeding offers the toddler some protection from allergies.
Breast milk also enhances brain development and raises the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the toddlers. In fact, breastfeeding is important because it leads to appropriate cognitive development.
This is one of the most researched benefits of breastfeeding toddlers and doctors and medical experts agree that breast milk is a superior nutritional option as compared to readymade formulas.
One of the many breastfeeding toddlers benefits is that it prevents obesity. It regulates the eating pattern of toddlers. Also, it ensures balanced insulin secretion, as compared to cow’s milk or baby foods. Hence, breastfeeding your toddler will help in regulating his or her weight.
One of the other benefits of breastfeeding toddlers is that it regulates the digestion of the toddler. Since breast milk is easily digestible, it prevents constipation and regulates the pace of metabolism. Also, it helps prevent digestive problems such as diarrhea. One of the other benefits of breastfeeding toddlers is that it prevents diseases like haemophilus influenza and herpes simplex. Breast milk also helps prevent wheezing and various conditions related to the respiratory tract. It is also good for preventing skin diseases like eczema.
Breast milk also enhances the response of a toddler’s body to various vaccines.
Breastfeeding is not only good for toddlers, but it is also beneficial for lactating mothers. It helps to reduce post-partum depression and anxiety. Sometimes, mothers might be recommended to extend the breastfeeding phase. One of the main benefits of extended breastfeeding is that it prevents various kinds of cancer in women, particularly breast cancer; it causes structural changes in breast by regulating the hormonal levels, thereby preventing cancer. Also, if your toddler is underweight, extended breastfeeding is recommended. It helps the baby gain the right amount of weight and also leads to proper mental development. For these reasons and many more, breast milk is considered to be extremely important for the normal development and growth of infants and toddlers.
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