When is breastfeeding most beneficial?

When is breastfeeding most beneficial? This is a question that has often been asked and debated on. Most experts feel that breastfeeding a baby is of immense benefit to both mother and the child right from the time the child is born. The first liquid that is secreted from the breast after a baby is born (Colostrum) has several nutrients and benefits for the newborn. This liquid is thick, sticky and yellow in color. Colostrum contains essential and important nutrients and antibodies for the baby. It is low in fat but high in protein and carbohydrates. It also helps the baby pass its first stools, thereby preventing jaundice. Some scientists also believe that colostrum helps to protect and coat the digestive system which is still developing in the child. This helps in future development and also proper digestion. The ingredients in colostrum may also prevent the baby from becoming sensitive to certain foods that may be passed on from the mother to the child. The proteins in colostrum help in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level in babies as well. More so in the case of babies whose mothers suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The protein is also important for general nutrition and psychological development of the child. This liquid is usually secreted for about two to three days and then gives way to breast milk.

It is important to remember that breast milk is made up of nutrients in the mother’s body and blood stream. It has just the correct amount of water, sugar, fat and protein that is needed for the baby to grow and develop properly. Apart from containing all the essential nutrients and vitamins required by the child during the first six months, breast milk also contains substances that help fight disease. Breastfeeding benefits as it helps to protect your child from illnesses such as respiratory infections, ear infections or gastrointestinal trouble. This is of course, if there is exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. It is believed that breastfeeding also helps keep food allergies at bay. Research carried out on babies who have been breastfed for six months shows that they seem to have higher IQ’s. Studies suggest that the fatty acids in breast milk contribute towards this. Breastfeeding could also protect premature babies from high blood pressure and infections later on in life. It can also protect children from diabetes and asthma, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  The jury is still out on this question and breastfeeding your child is a purely personal decision.

Submitted by N H on August 12, 2010 at 11:15

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