Facts On Breastfeeding And Human Milk

Of breast milk and other important things about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has always been an important and controversial topic. It is important because it accounts for the first form of nutrition that a newborn gets, and controversial because the optimal duration of the breastfeeding period, the use of substitutes for breast milk and the action of breastfeeding are still issues that are not well defined and are sensitive for some groups of the population. We will stick to facts and explain here what the composition of human milk is, how long should the lactating period last, according to experts, and the benefits of breastfeeding but also, the alternatives that are available for women that are not able or decide not to breastfeed.

Human milk at different stages

Human milk composition varies depending on the growth stage of the baby. Right after birth, the first fluid that the breast glands produce is known as calostrum.

For example, it contains immunoglobulins or antibodies, which are molecules that attach to microbes and flag them in order for the immune cells, which are also present in high quantities in breast milk, can kill them. Lactose is present in less amount, though, indicating that the main role of calostrum in the first days of the baby’s life is to provide him or her with a strong army that can hold any bacteria, virus or fungus that could cause harm.

Transitional milk comes after calostrum, just a couple of days after giving birth.

After six weeks, milk is no longer transitional and is considered to be fully mature. From this point on, the composition of breast milk barely changes; however, it can be affected by certain factors, including the nutritional state of the mother.

What does human milk provide to the baby?

Nutrients present in human milk are classified into macro and micronutrients. The first ones comprise for the carbohydrates, proteins and fats. 

Micronutrients refer to vitamins and minerals. Vitamins present in human milk include vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D. Vitamin K is present in very low quantities in breast milk, as well as vitamin D, which is why women are advised to take vitamin supplements during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period, to compensate for the natural lack of them in their milk.

Growth factors are very important for the maturation of the baby’s organs, especially the intestine, the veins and arteries and the nervous and endocrine systems.

Immunological factors, as its name indicates, are involved in the development of the baby’s immune system. In order for the immune system to start working properly, it has to be exposed to all the allergens that are present in the environment: in what we eat, in what we wear, in what we breathe, smell and touch. Allergens are molecules that activate the immune cells and give them the chance to recognize threats and get well equipped to attack them.

See Also: Breastfeeding Your Baby: Why Breast Is Still Best

This is why breast milk is enriched with immunological factors that the mom passes to the baby through breastfeeding, including immune cells, substances that activate these cells, known as cytokines and chemokines, and antibodies. These factors protect the baby from infections, which mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract, and from inflammation.

More About Breast Milk Benefits And Some Alternatives

The baby is not the only one that benefits from breastfeeding. Moms also get great advantages if they breastfeed.

Advantages for moms

Right after the baby is born and starts being breastfed, there is a release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps in the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, preventing hemorrhages and helping in the healing process after labour.

This prevents excessive iron loss in the mom and the development of anaemia, due to the lack of iron in the blood. Not having a menstrual period is also a good contraceptive method, as it allows the woman to recover from her pregnancy and to be able to take care of her baby before being fertile again.

Finally, it seems that breastfeeding also helps moms to loose weight.

The weight loss rate depends on each woman, but it has been shown that breastfeeding certainly helps in the task.

How long should a mom breastfeed?

The nutritional and immunological properties of breast milk continue to benefit both the baby and the mom after the recommended lactating period, but it is important to note that as the child grows and develops, its nutritional requirements also increase, so breastfeeding must be complemented with a balanced diet.

Commercial milk formulas are very similar in content to breast milk; they might even have additional nutrients that breastfed babies have to get from supplements. Formulas are convenient because they allow the mom to share the feeding role with others, including the father or the partner, making it possible for the baby to be fed at any time, by any other person different to the mom.

They can also cause gastric discomfort to the baby and finally, they cost money, while breast milk is free.

See Also: Eating And Breastfeeding: DOs and DON'Ts

If the mother does not breastfeed because she has to work, for example, pumping out breast milk is a good option to have it available for the baby even when she is not around. Pumped breast milk keeps its composition for up to 72 hours when stored well in the refrigerator.It can even be frozen for up to 6 months and thaw it for consumption without any problem.

Either way, there are alternatives to breast milk. It is a personal choice whether you choose to feed your baby with breast milk or formula, and it should not represent a problem to anyone. Just talk to your doctor and discuss the best option for you and your baby.