Breastfeeding: Natures Protection
Colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum) the thick yellow milk you make during pregnancy and just after birth is known as liquid gold for the nutrients and antibodies it contains to protect your newborn.
By the third to fifth day after birth colostrum changes into what is called mature milk which contains the proper amounts of water, sugar, fats and protein to ensure your baby continues to grow. Although thinner than colostrum it still carries all the necessary nutrients and
Breastfeeding And Your New Baby
Benefits of breastfeeding outweigh convenience of formula
Breastfeeding your child can lessen risk of many illnesses
antibodies needed to protect baby's delicate system.
For most babies breast milk is easier to digest than formula because the proteins in formula are derived from cows milk which take longer for your babies stomachs to learn to digest.
The antibodies and hormones found in breast milk help keep your babys system healthy and strong, something formula cannot compare to, in fact formula fed babies have a higher occurrence of ear infections diarrhea.
Babies that lack the protection of mothers milk also have a higher rates of Necrotizing (nek-roh-TEYE-zing) enterocolitis (en-TUR-oh-coh-lyt-iss), a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in preterm infants, respiratory infection, asthma, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes and leukemia.
Research has also shown that breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Convenience and ease:
Breastfeeding, while taking a bit more effort initially can ultimately make your life easier once you and baby settle in to a smooth routine.
Just think of the time saved by breastfeeding, no bottles to keep clean, no buying and mixing formula and no bottles to warm in the middle of the night. Think of it as baby fast food!
There is also a cost savings built in to breastfeeding also. It can cost over $1500 a year to bottle feed a child and breast fed babies are sick less often so there can be a savings in medical costs also.
Breastfeeding is an important time for mother and child as it helps the bonding process and fulfills the need for baby to feel comforted, secure and warm. It also gives mom the chance to relax and unwind throughout the day. The contact also raises the mothers oxytocin levels, a hormone that calms and helps milk flow.
Breastfeeding is also credited with lowering certain health risks to mothers including type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression.
