Facts to know about breastfeeding
Why should we give our babies breast milk?
Every mother produces milk that suits her baby the best. Its nutrients are present in the best composition and proportions; moreover it changes day by day to meet the requirements of the growing baby. Even the premature baby gets breast milk specifically designed to meet his needs to catch-up growth. Human milk contains lots of live substances that boost the baby’s immune system, protecting him from diseases all through his life.
Remember: Breast milk serves as the nutritional model for milk formulae but none of these can mimic it.
Most milk formulae are prepared from cow’s milk. In the early months of life, programming of the immune system of the baby mostly occurs. Sometimes, when the baby gets exposed to the cow’s milk proteins, this programming happens in an undesired way. The child might become prone to allergies and when he becomes an adult he might be more prone to diseases like diabetes, hypertension and auto-immune diseases.
How long should the baby breastfeed?
The baby should breastfeed exclusively without any supplements for 6 months. It is recommended to continue breastfeeding for at least 2 years but any way it is the mother’s choice.
As long as the mother is breastfeeding her baby, she will continue to give him immunity. Whenever the mother is exposed to potentially harmful organisms, her immune system produces specific defenders which reach the baby through the breast milk.
What “type” of moms can breastfeed and what “type” can't?
Regarding the ability to breastfeed, there are no “types” of moms. Women at any age, with small or big breasts, having flat or inverted nipples, feeding singleton or twins, all can successfully breastfeed. Each mother’s milk is specifically designed for her own baby. There is nothing called diluted milk, whatever the mom’s health status her milk is very nutritious and protective to her baby.
