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Effects of neonates and breastfeeding

Publication date: 2015-01-01
Pages: 203 - 219
ISSN: 978-3-319-13890-9
Publisher: Springer

Author:

Van De Velde, Marc
Capogna, Giorgio

Abstract:

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. The benefits of breastfeeding for the mother’s and the infant’s short- and long-term well-being have been extensively described and are unchallenged by the medical community [1]. The fetus benefits from improved maternal/infant bonding, protection against infectious disease by improving infant immunity, and better nutritional status [1, 2]. The mother has better involution of the uterus, less postpartum blood loss, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, reduced bone demineralization, less risk of developing type II diabetes, and natural contraception [1, 2]. The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) states clearly that all women should breastfeed their infants exclusively until 6 months of age [3]. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.