The Power⁣ of Breastfeeding: Reducing ​Asthma Risks and More

A recent study published in the scientific journal Cell reveals ‌that breastfeeding for at least three months can significantly reduce the‍ risk of asthma in‌ children. The research, conducted by a team from NYU Langone Health ‍and‌ the ​University of Manitoba, analyzed data⁣ from over 3,500 pregnant women and children who participated in the long-term⁤ Canadian research project “Child Cohort Study.”

The study⁣ found⁢ that the microbiome of the digestive tract and‌ nasal cavity gradually matured in infants who were breastfed for more than three months after birth. In contrast, ‍the microbiome development slowed in infants who stopped breastfeeding before three ⁢months, increasing the‌ risk of asthma.

According to the research team, breast milk contains ⁢complex sugars called breast milk oligosaccharides, which are⁤ beneficial to ‌microorganisms that can digest these ingredients. However, if breast ​milk⁤ is stopped⁢ before⁣ 3 months and formula is ⁢given, microorganisms that help digest the ingredients in formula colonize, increasing the risk⁢ of asthma.

Breastfed Babies Have ⁤Lower⁤ Hospital ​Admission Rates

The Korean ‍Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive‍ breastfeeding for the first six months‌ of life, unless there are special reasons. Breast milk is the most ⁤suitable nutrient for infants, has a relatively‌ high concentration of antibacterial and antiviral antibodies, and is effective in reducing the risk​ of various⁤ infections.

A study published in 2023 found that infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life had a 15% ⁤and 12% lower hospital admission rate than formula-fed infants. The hospital admission rate was significantly lower for digestive, respiratory, and urinary‌ diseases.

Prevents ⁣Childhood ‌Obesity and Improves Cognitive Function

Breastfeeding has also been‌ shown ⁤to prevent childhood⁢ obesity. A ⁢study published in the international⁢ academic ⁤journal⁣ “Pediatrics” found that the rate of increase in children who were breastfed for‌ the first three months of life was lower, reducing the risk of childhood obesity.

Breastfeeding also affects the cognitive development of the child. A study published in 2019 found that the cognitive development index of breast-fed ‌infants who were fed for more than 9 months was higher‌ than that of infants who were only⁢ formula-fed.

Breastfeeding is Also Good for Mothers

Breastfeeding a baby for more than 6 months has been shown to be effective‌ in ⁢improving the cardiovascular health of the mother. A study published in 2023 found that women ⁤who breastfed for more than six months after giving birth had⁢ significantly lower blood pressure and body mass index levels up to three years after giving birth⁢ than​ women who did not breastfeed.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding and⁣ Maternal Stress Management

While the benefits of breastfeeding have been proven through scientific research, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that mothers may face. Breast pain, mastitis, postpartum depression, and the baby’s ability to suck milk can make it difficult to continue breastfeeding.

Experts recommend actively seeking help from experts such as doctors or postpartum health ‌professionals to​ address ‌these challenges and promote a positive breastfeeding experience.