What other benefits does breastfeeding have for mother and baby?

Author: Shi Jingjin, Assistant Researcher, China Welfare Institute International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital

Zhou Sisi, nurse, China Welfare Institute International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital

Chief Judge: Rao Lin, China Welfare Institute International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Deputy Chief Nurse, Master Supervisor

Zhao Zhuohui, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor, School of Public Health, Fudan University

Breastfeeding is not only a protective umbrella for babies, but also a magic weapon for mothers to recover quickly after childbirth! The nutrients in breast milk can not only meet the nutritional needs of infants in their early years, but also help the development of the baby's brain intelligence, digestive system, immune system, and psychological and social adaptability, while preventing allergies and chronic diseases that may occur in adulthood; for mothers, breastfeeding is more economical, helps promote uterine involution and postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of postpartum depression and bleeding, prolongs the birth interval, and reduces the possibility of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hypertension and diabetes. In addition, breastfeeding can effectively reduce the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases faced by infants and young children due to air pollution.