Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infant and Mother and Case Study of HIV Mothers/Infants

Abstract

Breastfeeding is considered as the golden miracle for infants. Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for nearly all neonates and infant. The benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and lactating mother have shown very good results for both. Breast milk contains hormones, growth factors, cytokines, cells, probiotics etc. which gives very good physical health as well mental growth for infant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding at least for up to 6 months of age and it can be prolonged until the age of 2 years. Breastfeeding is most cost-effective way for reducing childhood saturninity such as obesity, hypertension, and gastroenteritis as well as mortality.  The women who are in breastfeeding return to pre pregnancy weight very soon. Breastfeeding is also associated with decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in premenopausal period and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Breastfeeding also maximize the health production to the babies of HIV-positive mother by employing breastfeeding and the use of anti-retroviral treatment (ART).

Keywords: Human milk, breast feeding, lactation, SIDS, HIV, neonates, ART

Cite this Article

Deepika Kapoor, Sanjiv Kalia, Ankit Kalia. Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infant and Mother and Case Study of HIV Mothers/Infants. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Immunology. 2020; 10(1): 12–17p.