What Does Breastfeeding Mean For Your Baby’s Brain Development?

Breastmilk has time and again proven to be the best starting point for the babies — whether it is building the immune system, physical development in early stages of life or cognitive functioning. Here is how it helps your child think better.
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We are very familiar with the fact that the best start for a baby is with breastmilk. It has everything a baby needs in terms of nutrition — the right amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats — to give the baby the perfect foundation in the first few months of life. 

Breastmilk is full of antibodies, enzymes, anti-inflammatory factors, and fatty acids which are crucial for baby's development. Nature has designed breastmilk in a way that it has the correct combination of proteins, lactose, fats, and water. 

 

With its unique composition, breast milk is not just beneficial for baby's physical development but helps baby's cognitive development too. Between the age of 0-3, a child's brain reaches 80% of its full development. A study published in the journal Pediatrics stated that breastfed babies had more grey matter in various location in the brain than babies that were not breastfed. Grey matter means the neurons that aid in cognitive thinking. 

Breastfeeding and the brain:

The ingredients in breastmilk that aid in brain development are:

DHA:

Docosahexaenoic acid or commonly known as DHA is key to the development of the brain, nervous system and the eyes and is an ingredient found naturally in breastmilk. This is an Omega 3 Fatty acid which helps in the development of brain tissue. This DHA is delivered to baby in utero from the placenta and later on through breastmilk. A vegetarian diet is severely deficient in DHA and pregnant women and nursing moms should look to supplement their diet with DHA.

ARA:

Arachidonic acid or commonly known as ARA is an Omega 6 fatty acid or a structural and metabolically active lipid that is a key component of cell membranes and aids in visual development.

Proteins:

Proteins are the building blocks of life and all the proteins supply that a baby needs is available through breastmilk. Proteins are made of amino acids which perform essential functions in baby's development. Amino acid Taurine, exclusively present in breastmilk helps in the development of the brain and the eyes.  

Breastmilk has time and again proven to be the best starting point for the babies — whether it is building the immune system, physical development in early stages of life or cognitive functioning.

Breastmilk contains the perfect mix of nutrients to give the baby a strong foundation to develop and mothers must breastfeed the baby for the first 2 years life. If a mother can’t breastfeed, she needs to consult her paediatrician for a suitable alternative to nourish the child.

This post is written in association with Nestle Start Healthy Stay Healthy.

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