Breastfeeding: Benefits, Technique, and Contraindications
Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant with milk from a mother's breast. It is recommended as the optimal form of infant feeding by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that a newborn need to grow and develop. Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both the mother and the infant. For the infant, breast milk can reduce the risk of infections, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and can also lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergies, and obesity. For the mother, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as postpartum depression. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it can also be challenging for some mothers. Some common challenges include sore nipples, engorgement, and difficulty with latching. Mothers may also face social and cultural barrier...