Why Breast is Best

We just did a post about a new study that indicates how breast feeding makes for smarter babies. But that is just one among the many benefits of feeding your baby your own milk. Read on to find out exactly why human milk is the perfect food.

The US Department of Health and Human Services notes that breast milk has just the right proportions of nutrients for growing babies. Breast milk changes in composition from the start to the end of each feeding. The milk will contain more essential fats when needed, more protein and antibodies at the right time for your baby.

It also comes in a variety of tastes that depends on what a mother eats. This is why breast fed babies tend to be open to different tastes once they start eating solids. Yes, they do tend to be less picky eaters.

A mother produces milk that contains ingredients no formula has yet to copy – even the best and most expensive kinds. Among breast milk’s precious nutrients:

Colostrum goes out to baby during his first feedings as a newborn. Nutritionists also call it liquid gold (it is yellowish and thick) that contains antibodies that will protect your child from many diseases. This is why breast fed kids tend to get sick less often even all the way to daycare and preschool.

Lactoferrin helps baby absorb iron and protects the stomach from harmful bacteria.

Lipases assist in the digestion of fats.

DHA and ARA occur naturally in breast milk and belong to a class of nutrients called lipids. These lipids are essential fats that are important for developing a babies vital organs, particularly the brain and eyes.

Breast feeding is natural, but it takes practice.

While breast feeding is one of our most basic human functions, it still takes some getting used to. There is some effort at the start get your nursing going smoothly.

It is best to get baby to latch on to you as soon as you’re both able – right after birth ideally. But do note that it takes about 3 or more days for you to feel that strong letdown of milk. Rest assured that until then, your baby is taking in colostrum and has enough nutrition stores to last until the breast milk starts flowing.

Milk follows the law of demand and supply. The more your baby suckles for milk, the more milk your body will produce. So hold off on the formula, even water, especially at the first few months. What your baby really needs is just your milk. Supplementing too early may affect your milk volume.

Good For Baby, Good For Mom

Breast feeding is the next natural physiological step after giving birth. The process of feeding your child naturally makes your uterus shrink faster and your body will morph back quicker into pre-pregnancy state.

Did you know it will also help you burn extra fat? To make milk, your body needs fat and will take it from your own fat stores. Milk production burns about 200 to 500 calories a day!

Breast feed for at least 6 months and your chances of getting breast, uterine and ovarian cancer goes down dramatically. This is based on data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control.

Watch out for future posts on some basic tips to get your breast feeding off to a good start!

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