Mother’s milk is a miracle and blessing. The fact that women do not secrete milk at other times, yet with the birth of a baby are ready and equipped to feed their newborn is indeed a gift.sni
Hormones prepare mother’s body during pregnancy for the task of providing milk. After the birthing process and separation of placenta from the mother, certain hormone levels fall in the body. This allows the lactogenic effect of prolactin hormone secreted by the mother’s brain, to assume its natural milk promoting role. Other hormones join in to provide nutrients to the milk, making it a complete food for the full term baby.sni
Human milk is the most appropriate of all available milks for human infants, because it is uniquely adapted to the child’s needs. It is the natural food for a full term infant during the first months of life.sni
What is colostrum?sni
Colostrum is the secretion of the breast during the first few days of delivery. It is small in quantity but loaded with ‘goodies’ for the newborn. Colostrum is high in protein and minerals and also contains some special immunologic factors. This initial secretion is yellowish and does not look like regular milk. However, it is extremely beneficial for the baby. Yet, many discard it because of superstitions and old wives tales relating to it. In a few days it transitions to regular milk.sni
Benefits of breast milk
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and that it is continued for at least twelve months, and may be continued further beyond. Fourteen hundred years ago the Quran told us, “the mothers shall breastfeed their offspring for two whole years …” (Surah Al- Baqarah 2:233).sni
Mother’s milk has countless benefits for both the baby and mother. To begin with, it is always available and is at the appropriate temperature. It is fresh, free of bacteria, cheap and affordable by the poorest of mothers.sni
Protection from diseases
Breast milk contains antibodies against bacteria and viruses. These antibodies protect newborns from many life-threatening infections. Breastfeeding is reported to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother. Also, human milk is well absorbed by the infant. The allergies and intolerance to cow’s milk are not seen in breastfed infants.sni
No contraindications
A healthy full term infant has no contraindications to mother’s milk as long as the mother’s diet is sufficient for the needs of both, and she has enough milk supply. Infants born prematurely with low birth weight may need supplements in addition to mother’s milk. However, any serious infection or illness in the mother is a contraindication for her to breastfeed. Many medicines taken by the mother may be secreted in her milk. Alcohol, drugs, caffeine, etcetera, consumed by the mother are also passed in the breast milk, causing problems in the baby.sni
Involution of the uterus
Breastfeeding helps in the involution of the uterus, helping it to get back to normal. It helps the uterus contract and bleeding stops more quickly after the mother delivers. sni
Satisfaction & accomplishment
Successful breastfeeding gives the mother a psychological boost and a feeling of great satisfaction and accomplishment. These feelings are readily transferred to the baby. Thus, a baby is happy when the mother is content and relaxed, leading to maternal-infant bonding.sni
Ideal food for baby
Breast milk is the most ideal food for a baby as it has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates. It contains living cells, immunoglobulin and antibodies that help fight infections in the baby. It has enzymes like lysozyme, which protects the infant against E.Coli and salmonella (which causes typhoid).sni
Long chain fatty acids present in the milk are needed for the development of brain, retina and nervous system. It also reduces the risks of later health problems, like obesity and asthma. It has lactoferrin, which inhibits the growth of E. Coli, a bug that causes serious newborn diseases.sni
Amazingly, milk produced by the mother for premature infant is different from the milk produced for her full term baby. That again differs from the milk she produces for her six-month-old. Not only that, the foremilk or the milk produced in the beginning of a feed has a high lactose and water content. On the other hand, the hind milk, or the milk produced towards the end of the feed has a high fat and caloric content, satisfying and filling the baby. Thus, the mother’s milk contains the exact nutritional and protective factors needed by each baby.sni
There is nothing better that a mother can do for her newborn baby than to breastfeed. Yet, we find not many mothers doing it. Why is it so? Mothers need to be prepared during pregnancy for this important role. They need encouragement and support from the family, as a new baby’s routine can be overwhelming for them. It takes time and patience initially.sni
The new mother may not be able to handle the added burden of taking care of the baby along with the household chores and flow of well-wishers who come to congratulate them. In our culture, a mother needs private, quiet and relaxed time to breastfeed her baby. Friends and family must realize this and allow the mother to adjust to her new routine and help her in it.sni
By: Dr Rehana Sayeed, Pediatrician
