Information : BreastFeeding

Benefits of human milk

Bodies such as the World Health Organization promote breastfeeding as the best child feeding method. There are many benefits to breastfeeding, and the differences between breastmilk and formula milk are not those between two different but similarly effective methods. All the contents of breast milk and what they do are not fully understood, especially as it changes due to time, diet and circumstances. Among other things, breastmilk contains Lactoferrin which is good for iron absorption and protecting the gut from injurious bacteria, and Lipases which are good for fat digestion.
Developing babies obtain all the right nutrients in the correct amounts that they need from breast milk. There are few circumstances where breast feeding is not advisable. The main condition where it is advised against is in H.I.V women, though outside of the developed world such advice may be impractical.
Breastmilk helps fight against
· Allergies,
· Asthma,
· Chest infections,
· Diabetes,
· Diarrhea,
· Ear infections,
· Gastroenteritis, and
· Obesity
It is also said to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death), and improve a child’s IQ.

Colostrum

This is the first milk that is produced by the mammary glands from late pregnancy till around two weeks after giving birth. This easily digestible milk is low in fat (which new born babies have trouble digesting) and high in antibodies, protein and carbohydrates. It is a kind of concentrated nutrient delivery system so it is low in volume, which is appropriate for the small digestive system of a new born. Colostrum has a mild laxative effect which helps the baby pass his or her early stools, ridding the body of an excess of a waste product made from dead red blood cells called bilirubin. This process aids in the prevention of jaundice.
An antibody known as secretory immunoglobulin (lgA) is present in colostrum that protects the germ sensitive mucous membranes of the intestines, lungs and throat. Colostrum also helps protect the digestive tract and contains white blood cells (leukocytes) to combat viruses and harmful bacteria.

Premature Babies

As well as the usual protection inherent in breastmilk, the milk produced by a mother for a premature baby differs from term milk. Although babies cannot usually breast feed if born prior to 31 or 32 weeks gestation, breastmilk can still be given to them by means of a feeding tube. Milk should be expressed within six hours of delivery using a breast pump. The pumping of milk should be continued for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. This stimulation will mirror the behaviour of a new born baby and help the mother feel she is contributing vital nutrients. Preterm colostrum and milk are higher in antibodies as well as chloride, iron, sodium and protein. It helps prevent against such serious conditions as Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a serious bowel inflammation.

Other benefits of breastfeeding

For the mother

· Breastfeeding is said to release relaxing hormones for the mother.
· Less stress from having a healthy baby.
· Better weight loss. You burn hundreds of calories creating breastmilk.
· Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. The sucking action of the baby releases oxytocin into the system. This contracts the uterus wall helping prevent hemorrhage. Bottle feeding mothers get some oxytocin intravenously after birth.
· Natural contraception. Breastfeeding delays the return of the menstrual cycle and therefore ovulation. Studies claim 98% effective birth control for the first six months in breastfeeding women.
· Health. Less risk of Iron deficiency anaemia. Claims of less likelihood of breast and other cancers.
· Bonding. No clear evidence as to whether breast feeding improves mother and child bonding, but many people think it does. The same applies to post natal depression.
· Breastmilk is immediately available and at the right temperature.

For the environment

Breastfeeding a baby avoids the environmental impact of fertilizers for soy, grazing issues of cattle, production, packaging and transport of formula milk, and the heating costs and waste generated too. The inconvenience of preparation and the cost are things to consider also.

Diet

A high nutrition, high calorie diet much the same as during pregnancy is recommended for breast feeding mothers. Experts advise an intake of between 1500-1800 calories per day. There are no foods which should definitely be avoided although situations may well vary from mother to mother. Sometimes mothers are advised to cut out foods like beans if their baby begins to suffer from colic.
Cigarette smoke, high alcohol and caffeine consumption and recreational drug use while breastfeeding can potentially cause harm to the baby.