Define some Advantages of breast milk for Infants?
1) Breast milk is a simple and natural method of feeding. It is hygienic, inexpensive and available at all times at the right temperature for the baby. Mother need not worry about how much milk the baby needs as long as the baby feels satisfied and is growing well. Exclusive breast feeding till 6 months ensures normal growth and development. '
2) Nutritionally, breast milk has an advantage of being low in protein and high in lactose content than any other milk, which the body can handle. Human milk has a protein-lactalbumin, which is better digested than casein present in high amounts in cow's milk. Human milk has more vitamin C and is not destroyed by heating as in cow's milk. Iron and calcium is better available as compared to cow's milk.
3) Colostrum is rich in nutrients and anti-infective factors. Colostrum is secreted in first 2-3 days. It is a thick aid yellowish liquid. It develops natural immunity in the child against various infections. Besides antibodies, it is rich in nutrients and hence should never be discarded. In addition, it has a laxative effect and tones gut for movement.
4) Diseases and death among breast-fed infants is much lower than the formula fed infants. Breast-feeding protects against diseases such as diarrhoea and upper respiratory tract infections. The bifid us factor in breast milk promotes natural gut flora. This gut flora and low pH of breast milk inhibits the growth of pathogens: Breast milk has immunoglobulin s (Ig A), lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and complements, which protect the infant against several infections. Antibodies to E. coli and some viruses are found in breast milk, which protects their gut mucosa. Breast-feeding also protects infants from allergic reactions and colitis.
5) Cow's milk contains lactoglobulin and serum bovine albumin, which may cause allergy to some infants.
6) Breast-feeding establishes mother-infant contact and promotes mother-child bonding. While the mother gets feeling of satisfaction and achievement in carrying and feeding her baby, it gives an emotional security to the infant.
7) It prolongs birth interval by fertility control. Lactational amenorrhoea prevents onset of another pregnancy thus helping in natural spacing. This time gap helps uterus to contract to normal size arid regain normal shape. The fat laid down during pregnancy is mobilized and utilized during lactation. Breast-feeding also protects against breast cancer.
8) In addition to nutrients and anti-infective factors, breast milk has special components such as growth factors, enzymes and hormones. Many essential components are in concentrated amounts in colostrum as compared to mature milk hence lactation within 2 hours of birth should be initiated. India has a National Code for Protection and Promotion of Breast-feeding.