Breast milk - the best nutritional choice for infants
The perfect first food for your baby is breast milk. Breast milk is a personalized formula containing all the essential nutrients that your child needs to grow and develop. As your new born grows, the milk will modify according to the baby needs and act as a supplemental nutrient as you begin to implement solid foods into the baby’s diet.
What is colostrum?
When it comes to breastfeeding, we need to know about colostrums. Colostrum, the initial milk produced when breastfeeding begins, is the perfect nutrition for a baby. It is extremely concentrated, protein-rich and nutrient-dense. It is also low in fat, simple to digest and packed with nutrients to help him get off to the healthiest start possible. And, maybe more crucially, it aids in regulating the immune system.
- Colostrum seems thicker and yellower than mature milk. Its composition is also unique, and it suits your newborn's exact requirements.
- It contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and other antibodies that protect against many infections and allergies.
- It aids in the release of bilirubin from the child's body, which aids in the prevention of jaundice.
- It contains nutrients that stimulate gut maturation and hence aid in the digestion process.
- It also provides protein, vitamin A and other micronutrients for the baby's growth and development. It also develops a protective covering in the GI system, keeping dangerous germs and allergies from entering the baby's bloodstream.
Is the breastmilk probiotic?
Breast milk is abundant in probiotic factors. Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria and yeasts that can provide health benefits. They maintain a healthy gut by pushing out dangerous bacteria. As your gut contains more than 70% of your immune system, digestive health is a crucial element of our overall health.
The human microbiome supports the immune system and in addition, serves as a nutrient source for healthy bacteria in the body. The healthy microbiome plays a pivotal role in preventing infection lifelong. Its capability extends in decreasing the risk of allergies, asthma, obesity and other types of chronic diseases.
What does exclusive breastfeeding mean?
Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of giving just breast milk to a newborn while excluding all other foods and liquids, including water. This method of feeding can be used for the first six months after the baby is born.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding the newborn?
Nature's best infant food is breast milk. It includes antibodies that promote immunity and beneficial enzymes that scientists have yet to recreate.
Here comes the benefits of breast milk for newborns.
- Breast milk helps to prevent allergies and eczema. Breastfeeding may be especially useful if your family (or your partner's family) has a history of allergies or eczema. Proteins in cow's milk and soy milk formulae can cause allergic reactions, but proteins in human breast milk are easier to digest.
- It is less likely to cause stomach distress, diarrhoea and constipation than formula milk, as breast milk is so simple for your baby's body to digest.
- Feeding newborns with mother’s milk reduces the chances of viral infections, gastroenteritis, ear infections and respiratory infections.
- Ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and some forms of meningitis are less prevalent in breast-fed newborns.
- Children who breastfeed for more than six months are also less likely to develop juvenile leukaemia and lymphoma than those who take formula. This might be because such cancers occur due to immune system abnormalities.
- Few things are scarier for new parents, namely, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which leads to the unexpected and inexplicable death of newborn before the completion of one year, in which there are no evident reasons. Breastfeeding is one of the factors that lower the risk of SIDS.
- Prevents disorders including type 1 and type 2 Diabetes. Breastfed newborns had a decreased chance of acquiring type 1 Diabetes and if they are obese later in life, the risk factor for type 2 Diabetes develops, according to the American Diabetes Association.
- Premature newborns' health is promoted. Breastfeeding your preterm infant may prevent him or her from necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, chronic lung disease and other illnesses.
- Although research is still unclear, studies show that breastfed infants have higher IQ scores later in life, even when socioeconomic considerations are taken into account. Breast milk fatty acids are known to be brain enhancers.
- Obesity prevention may be possible. According to many studies, breastfed infants are less likely to become fat later in life.
- Breastfeeding draws your baby closer to you. Of course, bottle-fed babies build ties with their parents as well, but the skin-to-skin contact of nursing gives a soothing effect to a baby.
Overfeeding breast milk
Overfeeding might cause your infant distress. Overfed babies may endure excessive gas, colic and spit-up. Furthermore, overeating may set your infant for unhealthy eating patterns and early programming for obesity.
What are the advantages gained by mothers on breastfeeding infants?
Breastfeeding can also help new moms in the following ways:
- lowering her chances of getting osteoporosis
- lowering her risk of breast cancer
- lowering her risk of ovarian cancer
- Producing oxytocin, which aids in the contraction of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Using mom's fat storage for breast milk while burning calories.
- Lowering her chances of experiencing postpartum depression, because nursing allows pregnancy hormones to diminish gradually rather than abruptly.
- Nursing your baby is generally less expensive than formula feeding.
Key Takeaways
Breast milk is the food naturally secreted to best meet the needs of babies. It contains all of the vital nutrients in the proper proportions and is easy to digest. Breast milk also aids in the development and maintenance of your baby's immune system.
Breast milk also constitutes of other proteins, fats, sugars and even white blood cells that can fight infection in many different ways. Choosing the way how to feed your baby might be a difficult decision. When your kid is born, you will be able to pick the best option for your family.
Many women choose one way before delivery and then change their minds once the baby is delivered. And some choose to breastfeed and supplement with formula as well, as they think it is the best option for their family and lifestyle.
Talk to your doctor while you're assessing the advantages and downsides. They can offer you further information about your options and assist you in making the best decision for your family.
