When I first got pregnant, I remember reading books all the time about pregnancy and childbirth. It was undoubtedly a great period in my life, with particular challenges since following the pregnancy of my first daughter, I had an unexpected triple pregnancy! The most invigorating, powerful and beautiful experience I cherish from the tender years of my four children is breastfeeding.

I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding and with the help of my breastfeeding counselor Katerina Michaelidou, I managed to breastfeed my first daughter for several years, but also for a whole year the triplets that followed. I feel very proud and at the same time I feel that I have responded in the best way to the needs of my babies, laying the foundations for their good health going forward.

Although breast milk is not sold and therefore there are no advertising campaigns to promote it, all scientific studies confirm that it is the best food for babies and recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of the infant’s life.

1. It is the ideal food for babies

Breast milk contains the ideal amount of nutrients, it is easily digestible and always available. It is a biologically active liquid, as its composition is constantly changing depending on the condition, phase, age and needs of the baby. In the first few days after birth, the breast produces a thick, yellowish liquid, called colostrum, which is rich in protein, low in sugar, and full of beneficial substances that contribute to the development of the baby’s immature digestive system. The composition of breast milk changes from day to day, from week to week, and from month to month, but also over a single meal (at first more watery to quench the baby’s thirst and then thicker and of higher nutritional value as a main meal). It meets the needs of the baby to the fullest and adapts according to whether the baby was born prematurely, whether it is ill, even whether it is a boy or a girl! It is truly a miraculous food, which cannot be replaced by any infant formula.

2. It is rich in important antibodies

Breast milk contains a lot of antibodies and live white blood cells that help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is very important for these first, tender months of life. Colostrum contains high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as other antibodies, which protect the baby from diseases by forming a protective shield inside the baby’s nose, throat and digestive system. In fact, when the mother or baby is sick, antibody levels in breast milk increase; in contrast, infant formulas do not provide any antibody protection to the babies.

3. Protects against diseases

Numerous studies have shown that breast milk protects babies against various diseases and infections:

• Protects against infections of the middle ear, nose and throat
• Protects against acute respiratory and digestive diseases
• Reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• Protects against allergic diseases (asthma, atopic dermatitis)
• Reduces the risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and childhood leukemia

4. It is conducive to the maintenance of a normal weight

Breastfeeding protects babies from obesity. Research has shown that babies who breastfeed for more than 4 months have a significantly reduced chance of becoming overweight or obese. It appears that breast milk increases the good bacteria of the digestive system, which affect the storage of fat. In addition, breastfed babies have more leptin in their bodies than formula-fed babies. Leptin is the key hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage. Another benefit is that breastfed babies regulate their own need for food. They eat only enough to satisfy their hunger, which helps them develop healthier eating habits.

5. Increases the IQ

Scientific research has found differences in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies. In addition to the nutritional value of breast milk, it seems that these differences are also due to physical contact, hugging and eye contact between mother and baby during breastfeeding. Breastfed babies get higher scores on intelligence tests and are less likely to develop behavioural and learning difficulties as they grow older. In fact, these benefits are even more pronounced for premature babies who are more likely to have developmental issues.

6. Cultivates the baby's taste preferences

The formula has only one flavour. Through breastfeeding, however, the baby learns many different flavours, since the flavours of the food consumed by the mother make their way into the breast milk. This makes it easier to incorporate solid foods into the baby's diet after the sixth month, but also sets the stage for good eating habits going forward!

For more information on the benefits of breast milk and my own experience with breastfeeding, you can watch the related video on my GoodLife by Gina YouTube channel.