THE BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN NEWBORNS

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 Breastfeeding is an essential aspect of child health and development, and in Sierra Leone, exclusive breastfeeding is highly encouraged. Here are some of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for newborns:



  1. Provides complete nutrition: Breast milk is the perfect food for newborns as it provides all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. In Sierra Leone, where malnutrition is still a major issue, exclusive breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of malnutrition in newborns.
  2. Boosts immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect newborns from infections and illnesses. In Sierra Leone, where access to healthcare is limited in some areas, exclusive breastfeeding can help protect newborns from common childhood diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles.
  3. Improves cognitive development: Breast milk contains essential nutrients such as DHA and choline that are important for brain development. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can help improve cognitive development in newborns.
  4. Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS in newborns. In Sierra Leone, where the infant mortality rate is still high, exclusive breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other infant deaths.
  5. Promotes bonding: Breastfeeding promotes bonding between a mother and her newborn, and in Sierra Leone, where social support is an important aspect of child-rearing, exclusive breastfeeding can help strengthen the bond between a mother and her baby.


 Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby's health and development, but it also promotes bonding between a mother and her baby, helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size, fast tracks loss of pregnancy weight gain and reduces the risk of breast cancer. It is essential to educate new mothers and provide them with support and resources to ensure that they can breastfeed their newborns exclusively for the first six months of life.






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