Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant
milk through the mother’s breast. According to La
Leche League International (LLLI), human milk is ‘a
living fluid that protects babies from disease and
actively contributes to the development of every system
in baby’s body’’’. Breastfeeding stimulates babies’
immune systems and protects against diarrhea and
infection.
Composition of Breast Milk
Breast milk is the perfect food for an infant. It
contains all the nutrients a baby needs to grow and
stay healthy:
-Fats: Breast milk contains omega-3 fatty acids essential
for the growth and development of the brain and
nerve tissue. The amount of fat a baby receives
depends on the length of the feeding. The milk at
the beginning of the feeding is called the foremilk. It
is the low fat milk. The hind milk that comes at the
end of the feeding contains higher concentrations of fat. Therefore, the longer the baby nurses the higher
the fat content.
-Proteins: The whey proteins found in breast milk are
easier to digest than formula. Taurine, an amino acid
that is important in the development of brain tissue,
is found in breast milk but not in cow’s milk.
-Sugars: Breast milk contains lactose, a milk sugar
that provides energy. Breast milk contains 20-30%
more lactose than cows milk.
-Vitamins and minerals: Breast milk provides the
most balanced source of vitamins and minerals for
an infant.
-Immune system boosters: White blood cells and
immunoglobulins are responsible for fighting and
destroying infection.
The content of breast milk varies from feeding to
feeding, at different times of day, and as the baby
grows.
Benefits for Baby
There are a plethora of benefits for the breastfeeding
baby, including:
-Increased immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies
that are relayed by the mother and help to protect the
baby from bacteria and viruses. These immunoboosters
are not found in formula.
-Low incidence of ear infections and respiratory
infections
-Higher intelligence: Several studies have found
higher levels of brain-boosting DHA in the blood
levels of breastfed babies than in formula-fed babies.
-Improved digestion and less constipation.
-Decreased risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract
infections, and certain types of spinal meningitis.
-Decrease in food allergies and eczema.
-Promotes normal weight gain: Breastfed babies are
less likely to be overweight than formula-fed babies.
-Reduced risk of juvenile (Type 1) and adult onset
(Type 2) diabetes, celiac disease, cancer, rheumatoid
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, and acute
appendicitis.
-Lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS).
-Reduced risk of breast cancer (in daughters who
have been nursed).
-Promotes development of jaw and facial structure.
-Promotes bonding between mother and child.
Benefits for Mother
