While passing through the university of Uyo, I noticed an increase in the number of sculptures around the creative art department. Each piece seem to have a unique story, but this one caught my attention.

A sculpture depicting a breastfeeding mother. This sculpture is not new, I have been seeing it but its story had added meaning this time. The story its telling is our story, the beauty and the challenges associated with breastfeeding. It was at that point that I got the inspiration, to write a post on the advantages of breastfeeding to both the mother and the child and challenges that comes with breastfeeding.

Meaning of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby with milk from the breast.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months old without any infant formula. After six month the mother will continue breastfeeding the baby along with appropriate baby food or infant formula up to two years or older.

Breast milk contain antibodies which protect the baby from illness. Breast milk is perfectly mix with enough vitamins, protein and fat. It contained all that your baby needs to grow.
Breastfeeding can be done either by feeding the child directly from the breast or by expressing it using breast pump or hand.
Breastfeeding is very important to both the mother and the baby's health.

Benefits of breastfeeding to babies

Below are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding to babies

• Breast milk improves babies brain and makes the child perform very well in school.
• The baby will have stronger immune system.
• It's lessen diarrhoea and constipation because breast milk is clean and contain enough water.
• Breastfeeding lowers the rate of infant mortality.
• It can reduce the risk of a baby developing middle ear infections.

Benefits of breastfeeding to mothers

• Breastfeeding promote faster weight loss to some women after birth.
• It's fasten the contraction of the uterus returning it to normal size.
• Breastfeeding promotes physical and emotional bonding between the mother and the baby.
• It makes traveling easier because breast milk is always available, clean and in the right temperature.
• Its reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding promote positive feelings and reduces stress for mothers.
• Breastfeeding lowers the chances of developing postpartum depression.
• Breastfeeding is pocket friendly because breast milk is free.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is very good for both the mother and the baby.

Experts say yes to breast milk and that breast milk is more nutritious than infant formula.Breastfeeding a sick baby gives him or her greatest chance of quick recovery. Breast milk contain antibodies and protective enzymes that fight infections.

When my baby has jaundice, the doctor advised me to breastfeed her very well I did as he instructed and the result was amazing. In just three days there was no trace of jaundice in her skin.

Dear mothers and mothers-to-be try and feed your baby with breastmilk though it might be challenging at times especially waking up too often at night to breastfeed but be rest assured that you won't regret it because of its many health benefits to and your baby.

Thank you for reading my post

This is my introductory post link

Special mentions

@steemwomenclub
@ngoenyi

Written by @udyliciouz