Breastfeeding is great for providing babies with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Composed of proteins, fatty acids and minerals, breast milk is naturally adapted to the baby, thus promoting good digestion. In addition, it evolves according to the nutritional needs of the child. Its composition varies according to the feeding: it is enriched in fat as the breast empties or when the feedings are brought closer.

The composition of milk changes constantly throughout the day and then over the months to adapt to the needs of the growing child.

Breast milk would play a preventive role against :

• ụmụ ahụhụ. It transmits the mother’s antibodies to the child, overcoming the weaknesses of her still underdeveloped immune system. It is in fact the Agba (= component secreted by the breasts before the flow of milk), rich in immunocompetent cells, oligosaccharides and proteins, which helps protect the newborn;
• the allergies. Breast milk would be an effective bulwark against allergies. An Inserm study¹ (Unit “Infectious, Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases”) dating from 2008 has shown that breastfeeding protects against asthma. However, it has not been proven that children predisposed to family allergies are more protected by having benefited from breast milk;
• nwa ọhụrụ, especially for premature babies, even if this is more observed in developing countries;
• the risks of obesity. Studies show that the obesity rate is 3,8% in subjects breastfed for 2 months, 2,3% for breastfeeding for 3 to 5 months, 1,7% for 6 to 12 months and 0,8% over a period of one year or more²  ;
• ọrịa shuga. A 2007 study shows that the risk of type 1 or 2 diabetes is lower in children who breastfed for more than 4 months³.
• cancer, lymphoma, hypercholesterolemia … but no study can really confirm it for the moment.