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More About Breast Milk Benefits And Some Alternatives

by — Last updated: 2014-08-09 in Women's Health

Table of Contents

Everyone knows that breast milk is the best nutritional source for a baby, but do you know what's in it and if it can be replaced? Keep on reading to know about human milk content, its benefits for babies and moms and some alternatives to it.

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.

Breastfeeding also delays the initiation of menstruation.

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.

Breastfeeding burns around 200 to 500 calories per day, which is what an hour of cardiovascular exercise burns in one hour.

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?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a child should be exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months of life, after which breast milk can be complemented by other suitable sources of nutrients. However, this period can be extended for up two years, or even more.

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.

Some moms are not able to breastfeed or decide not to. Sometimes, this causes a lot of concern in women that cannot breastfed but it should not, since the simple action of feeding the baby creates that special moment that both of them share.

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.

However, formulas also have their disadvantages. They are similar to breast milk only up to a certain extent and do not provide immune protection. 

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. 

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