Breast milk is the primary source for all their nutritional needs in the initial few months of an infant’s life, as it comprises 87% water, 7% carbohydrate, 4% lipid and 1% protein, vitamins, and other minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc). Appropriate breastfeeding equipped with both maternal and child benefits that include prevention of child from severe diseases (short- and long-term diseases) such as:
- Respiratory problems (such as respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, etc.)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (unexplained, sudden, and unexpected death of a healthy baby, also called cot death)
- Diarrhoea, leading to quick dehydration
- Necrotising enterocolitis (a serious gastrointestinal issue affecting premature babies)
- Otitis media (infection of the middle ear)
- Obesity (excess fat)
- Type 1 Diabetes (little or no insulin production, resulting in excess blood sugar)
PACE Hospitals (https://www.pacehospital.com/world-breastfeeding-week-01-07-august)