Breast milk, derived directly from a mother's breast, offers a nutrient composition perfectly aligned with an infant's needs for brain development, growth, and overall health. It contains immunological agents and other compounds that combat viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Given that a child's immune system doesn't mature until around the age of two, breast milk provides significant advantages over formula. Babies who are breastfed have a lower incidence of various chronic conditions, such as respiratory and ear infections, as well as diarrhea. Additionally, they tend to gain less weight and are generally leaner by their first birthday compared to those fed with formula, leading to fewer overweight and obese children.Furthermore, breastfeeding triggers the release of a hormone that helps a woman's uterus return to its normal size and shape more quickly, while also reducing postpartum bleeding. Extended breastfeeding, particularly for up to two years and among younger mothers, may also lower the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
