Breast Milk

Lots of beneficial things! It is designed not only to give baby all the nutrients that she will need for the first 6 months of life but also to protect her from a variety of infections. Breast milk contains what are called immunoglobulins (special proteins that fight off infection; another word for them is antibodies), the most important of which is IgA. It coats the intestines of the baby and prevents a variety of nasty bacteria and viruses from being absorbed. Other anti-infective properties of breast milk work in different ways but end up doing the same job: generally protecting your baby from infection.
Breast milk also protects against allergies. The problem with giving formula milk (cow’s milk basically) is that the baby’s gut absorbs protein very easily in the first 6-9 months. The cow’s milk protein can act as an allergen (that is a substance that can cause an allergy). If you or your family have a problem with an allergy, then breastfeeding would be the best for baby.

Breast milk contains fat and protein in the right quantities and in a form that is easily digested. It also has all the necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements that baby needs, all made by mum.

Your baby will receive fluid and nutrition from your milk. The quality of your milk is a reflection of how good your diet is. Your baby’s requirements will change daily and so your milk obliges by providing whatever baby needs.

Colostrum is the "milk" that baby will get in the first few days of breastfeeding. It is high in protein, IgA and lactoferrin (which is a protein that improves the action of IgA and has an anti-infective role of its own. It also helps the gut absorb the iron present in human milk.)

On about the third day the milk comes in and is higher in fat and sugar. Because of this the milk is more satisfying for baby and, you’ll be pleased to know, baby should go longer between feeds.

Each feed can be split roughly in two. The foremilk is thirst quenching and the hind milk, which is the food part of the feed and satisfies the baby’s hunger. It is important that baby empties the first breast offered so that the "meal" is complete. As the baby grows one breast may not be enough, you can then offer the second breast. Remember, start with this breast next feed to stimulate each breast equally. An important thing to understand is that the breast never truly empties. The flow may slow (poetry!) but the breast will be producing milk none-the-less.

Copywrite Written and compiled by Amanda Minter R.N. R.M. and D.P.S.M.

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