breast milk

Who is not familiar with breastfeeding? Majority of the mothers breastfeed their babies. Currently, some mothers are feeding their babies with formulas and supplements. We will explore that either breastmilk is preferable or formulas and supplement can replace it. We will try to answer different questions like: What is breastfeeding Is breastfeeding necessary? How breast milk is preferable to formulas and supplements? What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the babies and moms? How much a mom should feed breast milk? What are the benefits of breast milk?  What Is Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is a natural process to nourish a baby with breast milk after birth. It is the primary source of nutrition for infants and is recommended by health professionals worldwide. Mothers feed their babies for a specific period until the baby is able to chew or digest hard foods. Sometimes, it is known as nursing. Breast milk contains ideal nutrition and supports the healthy growth of a baby. Breastfeeding Before Artificial Formulas and Supplements/ Juices Before the advent of artificial formulas and supplements, breastfeeding was the sole method of nourishing infants. All mammals feed their babies with natural milk because there is no alternative to this feed. When we dive deep into back eras, we come to know that when a mother was unable to feed her baby, few women in that society were asked to feed a baby. Though, sometimes for free as a good gesture, and sometimes this baby feed was paid. In the Medieval Ages, and up to the modern era, still in some places, mothers feed their babies with milk of goat that is also light and healthy for babies. Grownup babies still drink cows’ milk.  Why Artificial Formulas and Supplements/Juices are Popular These Days? With scientific advancements, laboratories became able to identify ingredients/elements/vitamins in each food and tried to make artificial foods that contain the same ingredients and vitamins that a baby needs. These products are easily available in the market all the time. Due to easy access and availability, people choose artificial products that are certified by laboratories. With the establishment of colonies, people moved from the countryside and villages to cities where they cannot get goat milk to feed their babies. Modern lifestyles and societal pressures accelerated the popularity of artificial formulas and supplements. Moreover, companies who make these products, advertise in this way that people become convinced to feed their babies artificial foods. While they serve as alternatives, they lack the complete nutritional profile and health benefits that breast milk offers.  How Much Time a Mother Should Breastfeed Her Baby? Most healthcare professionals recommend feeding a baby with breast milk for at least 6 months or longer. Breast milk contains a full nutrition pack that a baby needs during the first 6 months. A mother should start feeding her baby with breast milk soon after birth. Child nutritionists recommend starting breastfeeding as early as one hour after birth. Because first feed has enormous benefits. Just after the birth of a baby, breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It is high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds that are not replaceable with artificial formulas. There is no replacement in the world for the first milk of the mother. A mother should feed her baby until he/she starts digesting hard foods/organic foods/fruits. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old or longer until a mother can feed her baby. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. According to APP, breastfeeding should be continued even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age 1 year or until both mom and baby agree to call it quits. According to the Islamic religion, a mother should feed her baby at two years at least. Can a Mother Use Formula Instead of Breast-Milk? While formula is a viable option, it cannot replicate the unique composition of breast milk. Formulas are never the perfect replacement for breast milk. There are a lot of benefits of breast milk and one should feed her baby with breast milk. Breastfeeding is encouraged for its numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. However, in some cases, healthcare consultants advise formulas for a specific reason. These reasons may include:                                         If a mother has no or less breast milk as in cesarean cases when hormones do not create milk. When a mother has a disease that can transfer into a child through the feed. If a mother is too weak in health. Sometimes, a child has a specific disease, and the physician suggests something different in the shape of a formula. If mother-milk lacks vitamin D, Vitamin D drops are usually recommended. A doctor can suggest any other reason. Why Breastfeeding is Necessary? Breastfeeding is the first and basic right of a baby that is born in a lap of a mother. Breast milk is crucial for the overall health of the infant and the mother. It provides essential nutrients, boosts the baby’s immune system, and fosters a strong emotional connection. There is no food in the world that can replace a mother’s feed. Breastfeeding also helps protect babies and their mothers against multiple diseases.  Benefits of Breast Milk for the Baby If a mother is reluctant to feed her baby with breast milk, she may be in danger twice: firstly, her own health can go at risk; secondly, her child can be the victim of health diseases. However, it is a personal preference to feed a baby with breast milk or with artificial foods but universal facts about the benefits of breastfeeding are still there. Let us go through all the benefits of breast milk. Breast Milk Is an Ideal Nutrition for Babies One of the main benefits of breast milk is that breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. Breast milk has the right amount … Read more