Breastfeeding Makes a Baby Less Prone to Diseases
When a baby receives only breast milk in the first six months after birth, the immune system becomes stronger and shows more resistance to diseases.
Breast milk offers a baby protection against the following diseases and conditions:
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [3].
- Middle ear infections: A baby that is regularly breastfed will be less prone to sinus, throat, and middle ear infections.
- Respiratory tract infections: Breastfeeding offers protection against gastrointestinal acute illness and respiratory tract diseases [4].
- Colds and infections: According to research, babies who are regularly breastfed are less prone to ear or throat infections and severe colds.
- Intestinal tissue damage: Babies generally have an immature digestive system. Breast milk helps protect the tissues of the intestine from necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Gut infections: Breastfeeding reduces the risks of developing a gut infection.