Breastfeeding Baby

While a baby is developing in the womb it gets all of its necessary nutrients from its mother through the umbilical cord, including compounds that assist the baby's immune system protecting it from harm. However, even after birth the baby's immune system is still not fully mature. To our benefit, mother nature has cleverly developed a solution in the form of colostrum and milk through breastfeeding.

During pregnancy the mother’s breasts produce colostrum which is a thin, yellowish fluid that is released through the nipple, the same as milk is. It’s important that during the first few days of the baby's life, they get this colostrum, as it is rich with fats, carbohydrates, white blood cells and other compounds that nourish and provide protection to the baby’s immune system.

Colostrum contains proteins, most especially immunoglobulins, a type of antibody. These antibodies are one of the body's foremost weapons against invading bacteria, fungi, viruses and other disease causing organisms. The other benefits of colostrums are the antibodies that coat the gastrointestinal tract and help fend off bacteria in the gut from entering the bloodstream. Also present in colostrum are small cells (macrophages) that surround and carry away disease causing germs.

Nature has developed breast milk to contain everything the newborn needs, while ensuring the breastfed baby receives the best nutrition possible.

Breast milk also contains essential fats that help regulate the hormone system and are crucial for the proper development of the baby’s nervous system. While us as adults strive to minimise our fat intake, it is essential that our baby’s receive this fat through their milk source.

Breast milk is also rich in carbohydrates of just the right type and amount to help the baby develop in an optimal way. They are the body's energy source and are another essential part of their development and growth.

Breastfeeding is highly beneficial for babies, while also being good for the mother. The rate of infectious disease is said to be lower among newborns who are breastfed. It’s has also been suggested that breastfed babies have a better head start in life than those who are only bottle fed. The chances of infant diabetes are reduced according to some studies.

The quiet time while breastfeeding between mother and child is beneficial for both. It also establishes a bond between the mother and newborn that may be hard to measure medically, however, the benefits are real and observable.

Some reliable studies also suggest that breastfeeding may assist in lowering the odds of breast and ovarian cancers. It also delays the return of ovulation and menstruation, while also reducing the odds of another pregnancy right away.

When a mother doesn't breastfeed artificial pumping to extract the milk is usually required, otherwise she may experience an uncomfortable sensation in the breast.

Nature has created everything a mother needs for her newborn through breast milk while optimising the health of both mum and baby.

For the best possible start in life for your newborn baby try breastfeeding.