Breast feeding

Breast feeding is very important for the new born baby as breast milk is the major, safe , immunity boosting food for the baby.  The antibodies in the breast milk protects the new born against several infections.

Breast milk

The first milk is called colostrum and milk secretion from breasts begins in small amounts and gradually its amount increases. The breast milk production begins in larger amounts between 2 and 4 days after delivery.

On the third day, an infant is normally sucking about 300–400 ml per 24 hours, and on the fifth day 500–800 ml. From day 7 to 14, the milk is called transitional, and after 2 weeks it is called mature milk.

What are the benefits of breast milk for the baby

• Major source of energy & nutrients
• Boost immunity against infections
• Easily digested

Nutritional facts about breast milk

• Breast milk contains about 3.5 g of fat per 100 ml of milk, which provides energy
• Breast-milk fat is long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, and arachidonic acid or ARA) that are not available in other milks. These fatty acids are vital for the neurological development.
• The Breast milk contains about 7 g lactose per 100 ml, which is more than in most other milks, and  a significant source of energy. Breast milk also contains oligosaccharides, which provide protection against infection
• The concentration of protein in breast milk (0.9 g per 100 ml) is lower than in animal milks. Therefore, easily digestible and no overload on kidneys of the newborn baby.
• Breast milk of a healthy mother contains almost all essential vitamins for the infant except vitamin D.
• The breast milk contains minerals iron and zinc in relatively low concentration, but their bioavailability and absorption are high.
• Breast milk contains several immunity boosting factors to protect against infections such as:

a] secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which coats the intestinal mucosa and prevents bacteria from entering the cells;

          b] white blood cells which can kill micro-organisms;

          c] lysozyme and lactoferrins which can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi;

           d] oligosacccharides which prevent bacteria from attaching to mucosal surfaces.

• Other bioactive factors

      Epidermal growth factor present in breast milk   stimulates maturation of the lining of the infant’s intestine, making them able to digest and absorb nutrients.

What is colostrum and why is it important to baby?

  Colostrum is the special milk that is secreted in the first 2–3 days after delivery.

It is produced only in small quantities, about 40–50 ml on the first day but this first milk is very vital for the baby’s health.

Colostrum is rich in white cells and antibodies which are crucial for immunity.

 This first milk colostrum contains protein, minerals and fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and K) than breast milk formed on later days.

Colostrum helps to protect the infant from infections due to the presence of white cells and antibodies.

The epidermal growth factor helps to prepare the lining of the gut to receive the nutrients in milk. It is important that infants receive colostrum, and not other feeds, at this time.

Breast feeding -important for mother &baby

   Breast milk is vital for boosting the immunity of the new born as it is

 rich in nutrients and immunity boosting antibodies and other factors.

 Moreover, breast milk is the major food for the infant for about six months until other nutrient rich food is started.

 Also, some studies show that breastfed children perform in a better way on intelligence tests. It is shown that breast fed children generally do not develop obesity later in life. According to studies breast feeding protects mother against the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Positioning the mother and baby during breast feeding

To be well attached at the breast for effective suckling of milk, a baby and his or her mother need to be properly positioned. There are many positions for effective suckling during feeding, but a few important points need to be followed in any position.

Position of the mother

The mother can be sitting or lying down or standing, a she prefers. However, she needs to be relaxed and comfortable, and free from strain, particularly of her back. If she is sitting, her back needs to be supported, and she should be able to hold the baby at her breast without leaning forward.

Position of the baby

The baby can breastfeed in several different positions in relation to the mother:

 across her chest and abdomen, under her arm, or alongside her body.

Whatever the position of the mother, and the baby, four important points about the position of the baby’s body that are important to observe.

• The baby’s body should be straight, not bent or twisted.
• The baby’s head can be slightly extended at the neck, which helps his or her chin to be close in to the breast.
• The baby should be facing the breast. The nipples usually point slightly downwards, so the baby should not be flat against the mother’s chest or abdomen, but turned slightly on his or her back able to see the mother’s face.
• The baby’s body should be close to the mother which enables the baby to be close to the breast, and to take a large mouthful.
• The infant should be supported during feeding. The baby may be supported on the bed or a pillow, or the mother’s lap or arm. She should not support only the baby’s head and neck. She should not grasp the baby’s bottom, as this can pull him or her too far out to the side, and make it difficult for the baby to get his or her chin and tongue under the areola.

These points about positioning are especially important for young infants during the first two months of life.

Breast feeding not only provides the sufficient food and immunity to the newborn baby. It develops a bonding between mother and child which is vital for the mental development of the baby. It is recommended to continue breast feeding till the baby grows to the age of 2years if mother still has sufficient secretion of milk.

written by dr sanjana p

References  for further reading

1. WHO. Infant feeding: the physiological basis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 1989;67(Suppl.):1–107. [PMC ] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2702124/

2.Riordan J. Breastfeeding and human lactation. Boston, USA: Jones and Bartlett; 2004. The biological specificity of breast milk.

3.Butte N, Lopez-Alarcon MG, Garza C. Nutrient adequacy of exclusive breastfeeding for the term infant during the first six months of life. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002.

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