Breast milk is species-specific. Human milk is tailored to the physical and brain growth of humans. No other milk or milk formula substitute can match breast milk. Breastfeeding has lots of benefits for not only baby but also for the mother. Breast milk decreases morbidity and mortality in newborns and infants. Baby on breast milk is 14 times less likely to die from diarrhea, 4 times less likely to die from respiratory disease, 2.5 times less likely to die from other infections.
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK
- Breast milk is prewarm and has optimum fluidity for the palatability of the baby.
ECONOMICAL BENEFITS
- Breast milk is convenient as it is readily available with no extra effort or cost for preparation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK
- It is the sweetest milk with high lactose content.
- Rich in essential fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fats (LCP), phospholipids, and prostaglandin precursor (LCP – Promote brain growth and reduce dyslexia and hyperactivity.)
- Rich in enzymes (Amylase, lipoprotein lipase, bile salt stimulated lipase, oxidases, lactoperoxidases, leucocyte myeloperoxidase) which help in easy digestion.
- Protein Composition of breast milk consists of whey protein (60-80%) & β casein protein (20-40%). Whey protein mainly consists of α lactalbumin and lactoferrin. Lactalbumin is rich in tryptophan (A precursor of neurotransmitter serotonin). Lactoferrin facilitates the absorption of iron and zinc. Also, it decreases the growth of harmful bacteria.
- α casein and lactoglobulin (allergen) are absent in human milk (present in cow milk).
- Rich in binding protein that binds thyroxin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, etc. hence helps in their absorption.
- Calcium – phosphorus ratio in breast milk is more than 2:1, which helps in the absorption of calcium for bone growth.
- Lactose in breast milk promotes calcium and magnesium absorption.
- The electrolyte content of breast milk is low, necessary for immature infant kidneys.
MICROBIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL BENEFITS
- Lactoferrin is bacteriostatic. It binds to iron and makes it unavailable to Ecoli bacteria, hence prevents its growth in the gut.
- Peroxidases and lipase enzymes kill bacteria.
- BSSL ( Bile salt stimulated lipase) kills amoeba and giardia (Organisms causes gastroenteritis).
- A relative deficiency of Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in human milk suppresses malarial parasites to the sub-clinical level.
- Maternal antibodies and T-lymphocyte present in breast milk offer some protection against malaria.
- Bifidus factor, acidic pH, and other nutrition composition associated with human milk support colonization of Lactobacillus Bifidus and other gut microflora (Normal gut bacteria). Hence plays an essential role in gut immunity.
- Skin to skin contact while breastfeeding facilitates the exchange of microbes between mother and infant.
- Breast milk is non-allergic, as allergens like α casein and lactoglobulin are absent in human breast milk.
- Secretory immunoglobin A present in breast milk provides surface protection to the respiratory and GI tract.
- T lymphocyte in breast milk transfers immunological memory from mother to baby.
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
- Emotional stability and personality development of the baby due to close contact with the mother and it also helps in mother-infant bonding.
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS TO MOTHER OR MOM
- Breastfeeding helps involution of the uterus by the virtue of oxytocin and hence decreases postpartum bleeding
- Worn of extra fat, as extra calories being delivered to the baby through breast milk.
- Decrease the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months decreases the chances of getting pregnant by inhibiting ovulation as long as menstrual periods have not returned. (Consult a family planning counselor as soon as possible after giving birth.)
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