August 1 week is Breast feeding week. Awareness & promotion for lactation is important for both baby & mother health.

Colostrums (thick yellow milk) first immunisation to the infant. Loaded with lots of disease fighting immunonutrients & health beneficial nutritional compounds.Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract to develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.

Breast milk contain correct amount of protein which is easy to digestion, contain essential fatty acids with digestive enzymes & enough amount of water so everything the baby needs for the first six months of life is present in it. It provides nutrients which is easily digested & readily available for growth & development of baby. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs.

Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viral & bacterial infections. Formula food doesn’t provide antibodies protection to your baby. Mother’s milk protect baby from upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, stomach related infection & getting allergic reactions.

Your baby’s first six months are very crucial for brain growth. Brain mass almost doubles in this period. Babies who have fed breast milk are higher IQ then formula fed infants.

Breast milk promotes healthy weight gain & prevents childhood obesity due to presence of appetite regulating & energy balancing hormone in it. Breast feeding helps in development of healthy eating habit due to baby’s self regulating pattern & satisfying the hunger.

Breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop problems with behaviour and learning as they grow older. This difference may be due to the physical intimacy, touch and eye contact associated with breastfeeding.

Breast milk is always at the right temperature & ready to drink. Saves time of cleaning & maintain the hygiene of bottles. It saves money expenditure on formula food.

 Dt. Shahenaz Shaikh

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