Breastfeeding- Details and its importance

Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborn babies, containing lipids, proteins, carbs, and a variety of minerals and vitamins. Breast milk also contains compounds that protect an infant against infection and inflammation, such as symbiotic bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as immunoglobulin A, which contributes to the healthy development of the infant's immune system and gut flora. Breastfeeding develops bonding between the baby and the mother and promotes brain growth of the baby.

Milk Secretion:

Breast milk is a living fluid that responds to your baby's changing needs. Mother's body begins producing colostrum around three to four months during pregnancy, and the breasts may leak colostrum in the final weeks. For some women happens early as in their second trimester. The body will continue to generate colostrum for several days after birth. This high-protein, antibody-rich drink delivers all of the nutrients need for infant. Mature milk appears between two and four days after your baby's birth, depending on how frequently you nurse in the initial hours and days following birth. The milk supply will respond to baby's appetite and nursing frequency

Importance of Breastfeeding:

Breastmilk is 87% water, thus the baby simply requires breast milk to meet the hydration demands. The remaining 13% is composed of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and a variety of other substances. Breastmilk contains a high concentration of multipurpose molecules. 

Mature breast milk is properly constructed to contain water, fat, carbs, protein, vitamins and minerals, and amino acids. It also contains white blood cells, antibodies, enzymes, and other things that strengthen your baby's immune system. 

Breast milk has over 200 recognized therapeutic components, including fatty acids that support brain and retina growth and may improve cognitive development. Many of these components, including infection-fighting white blood cells, cannot be produced. 

During a feeding, breast milk shifts from foremilk, which is high in water and lactose, to hindmilk, which is high in fat and calories. The amount of milk mother produce increases in proportion to the baby's weight and hunger, until solid food becomes a regular part of their diet. 

Mothers provide millions of healthy white blood cells to their babies to help them fight off infections, and the varied cells in breastmilk have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Immunoglobulins are abundant in human milk, providing significant protection to the newborn's underdeveloped immune system. Immunoglobulin protection in newborns is poor and only gradually improves throughout the first several months of life. SIgA, the major immunoglobulin, is not well-absorbed by newborns.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

For Mother

• reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
• control type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
• lower the risk for postpartum depression.
• for some it easy for lose weight.
• increase physical and emotional bonding.
• quick recovery of uterus contract from childbirth.

For Babies

• oligosaccharides sugar molecules in breast milk promote the maturing the organs.
• brain development.
• prevent pathogenic germs growth in baby's gut.
• easy digestible
• development of central nervous system.
• millions of living white blood cells to fight against diseases.
• naturally soothes the baby.
• healthy weight.
• natural antibodies.

Frequency of Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding should begin within 1 hour of normal delivery and 4 hours of Caesarean section. During the first two days, colostrum is released, which is extremely immunogenic to the newborn. Mature milk appears by day ten of life. Foremilk is high in protein and vitamins, but hindmilk is high in fat.

Breastfeeding should be done "on demand" when your baby is hungry in the first few weeks of life, which is every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. By the time your baby is 1-2 months old, he or she is likely to nurse 7-9 times each day. For the first month, newborns should breastfeed 8-12 times a day. Because breast milk is easily digested, babies frequently become hungry. In the first few weeks of lactation, frequent feedings boost milk production.

The World Health Organization advises that all infants should be nursed for at least two years, then for a further six months beyond that, they should be gradually introduced to acceptable foods.

Weaning is the process of stopping breastfeeding. It is up to the mother and the baby to decide when is the perfect moment.

Natural ways to induce Breast Milk Supply: 

1. Proper nutritious diet
2. Drinking plenty of water
3. Proper rest (sufficient sleep hour)
4. Stress free
5. Manual massage of Breast 
6. Feeding in both breast 
7. Use breast pump
8. Consider limiting caffeine
9. Avoid alcohol
10. Consultation of Doctor

Side Effects Of Breastfeeding:

Not all breastfeeding side effects are negative. Breastfeeding benefits the body in a variety of ways. the mother will heal from childbirth more quickly and with less bleeding after delivery. Few mother will overcome problems like cracked or sored nipples, Breast engorgement, fungal infections, pain due to pumping and lactation mastitis.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding strengthens the baby's brain development and deepens the link between the child and mother. Human milk is suitable for babies; it has less protein and minerals than cow's milk and is less soluble for the developing kidneys of the child. Breastfeeding lowers under-5-year-old children's mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing and impoverished nations. the babies is meant to be fed only breastmilk. It has the perfect balance of nutrients. It also doesn't harm your baby's developing intestines, stomach, or other body systems.