Information on Advantages of Breastfeeding

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Advantages of Breastfeeding

Human milk is uniquely suited to human babies. It is not only nutritionally complete and properly balanced, but it is also constantly changing to meet the need of a growing infant. The fat content of breast milk increases as a feeding pro-gresses, creating a sense of satisfied fullness that tends to prevent overeating. Furthermore, the fat and cholesterol content of breast milk is higher in the early months, when these compounds are most needed in a baby's rapidly growing brain and nervous system. The primary proteins in all forms of milk are same, but in human milk, where, which is easier to absorb, predominates.Compared to cow's milk, the carbohydrate component of breast milk contains a higher percentage of lactose, which appears to play an important role in both in .brain development and calcium absorption.

Vitamins and minerals are adequately supplied in mother's milk. No supplementare needed for the normal breast-fed infant, although additional vitamin D be recommended by your baby's physician if you live in a climate or geographical area where sunshine is rare. Trace elements, such as copper and zinc, are present in the right amounts, and iron is present in breast milk in a form that is easy to absord than in any other type of milk.

Breast milk is absorbed extremely efficiently, with little undigested material passing into stool. Experienced diaper changers are well aware that formula-fed infants have smellier stools, a by-product of the nutritional odds and ends (es-certain fats and proteins) that are not thoroughly absorbed on their trip through the bowel.

From day one, breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies froms.The first product of the breast after birth, known as colostrum, is in antibodies known as immunoglobulin. A, which help protect the intestine from microscopic invaders. As the mother comes in contact with a few viruses and bacteria, her immune system generates the appropriate type of fighting antibodies and passes them on to her baby, thus but by no means eliminating—the newborn's risk of becoming infected. This is particularly important in the first several months of life, when the 's immune system is less effective at mounting a defense against micro--invaders. While formula manufacturers have labored mightily to duplicateonal mixture of breast milk, they cannot hope to supply any of theseimmune factors. Breast-fed infants thus tend to have fewer infectionsg ear and intestinal infections) as long as they are given breast milk than----mula-fed counterparts.

Breast milkis free. It is clean, fresh, warm, and ready to feed, anytime and virtually anyplace. It does not need to be purchased, stored (although it can be expressed into bottles and frozen for later use), mixed, or heated.

Stimulation of a mother;s nipples by nursing infant releases a hormone called oxytocin, which help her uterus contract towae what will become of its nonpregnant size. The hormonal response to nursing also postpones the onset of ovulation and the menstrual cycle, providing a natural—though not foolproof—spacing of children. Nursing mothers also tend to reach their prepregnancy weight more quickly.

Breast feeding lends itself to a sense of closeness, intimacy, and mutual satisfaction.skin-to-skin contact, the increased sensory input for the baby, and thes satisfaction in being able to provide her child's most basic needs canblish strong bonds between them.

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