Why Breastfeeding Is Essential For An Infant?
After the birth of a baby, parents are often confronted with numerous questions: Is there enough breast milk? Why is the baby crying? How can I care for them properly? During this period, breastfeeding emerges as a fundamental resource: it provides the infant with nutrition, supports development, and fulfills both emotional and physiological needs.
Lactation consultant Nino Khatsakvadze emphasizes that breastfeeding possesses a remarkable power—it soothes both mother and child. When a baby nurses, the mother’s body recovers more rapidly: the uterus contracts, and discomfort diminishes. Perhaps the most invaluable aspect, however, is the profound emotional bond that begins during pregnancy and deepens with every feeding.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Crying, restlessness, and fussiness are common companions during the first weeks. Yet when the infant touches the mother, a sense of calm often follows. Skin-to-skin contact provides not only physical comfort but also the earliest form of communication, instilling a sense of security. This is why newborns are advised against wearing gloves—direct touch plays a crucial role in their adaptation.
The Early Days of Feeding
Many mothers worry that a few drops of colostrum are insufficient. In reality, this “first milk” is a concentrated source of nutrients. Rich in fats, proteins, and vitamins, it fully meets a newborn’s needs. Even these tiny amounts become a vital source of strength and energy.
Living Milk
Breast milk is unique because it adapts alongside the baby. Its composition varies not only with the infant’s age but also with the time of day: morning milk stimulates alertness, while evening milk promotes relaxation and sleep through different hormone levels. It is often referred to as a “living substance”, as no formula can replicate this natural adaptability.
Natural Protection
Breast milk also provides immune support. If the mother has been ill, antibodies are transferred through her milk, strengthening the infant’s defenses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many infants received this very form of natural protection through maternal milk.
From Birth to Two Years
For the first six months, breastfeeding is recommended as the sole source of nutrition. After six months, complementary foods are gradually introduced, yet breast milk remains the foundation of the diet. Even after the first year, breastfeeding continues to be crucial for health and development. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years, as this period establishes a solid foundation for lifelong health and emotional resilience.
Breastfeeding embodies care, love, and natural protection. For the mother, it offers support and a path to recovery; for the infant, it provides a secure and nourishing start to life.
