Breast Milk Good for New Born babies

Breast milk refers to the milk produced by a lactating mother. The milk that is produced initially is known as colostrum. This is the best type of milk for a newborn baby. Production of colostrum begins usually after the second trimester. After the baby’s birth, during the first three days that follow, colostrum is produced in small quantities that are just adequate for the baby’s tiny stomach. It is recommended that breastfeeding must begin soon after birth. Newborn babies must be breast fed about eight to twelve times a day.

Colostrum is a thick golden colored milk that is very rich in nutrients. It is rich in protein and low in sugars and fat. It is different from the milk that the mother will begin to produce later. Colostrum cannot be replaced or duplicated in other artificial baby formulas due to its unique properties. It also contains many antibodies which help to build the newborn’s immunity against various illnesses and infections. It acts as a natural laxative and enables the baby to expel the waste that may have accumulated while in the uterus. Breast milk contains protein which is more easily digested that the casein protein present in cow’s milk. Breast milk protein is also associated with the proper development of the eyes and brain due to the presence of the amino acid taurine. The enzyme lipase is also contained in breast milk. This helps to break down the fat present in the milk. The fat is self-digesting and much required for providing the infant with calories for its growth. The fat also contains specific omega 3 fatty acids which are important in brain development.

The vitamins and minerals in breast milk are absorbed easily by the baby. A large amount of white blood cells are transmitted by the mother to the baby through breast milk. This immunizes the infant against many diseases. Also, if the mother has been exposed to infection, her body produced anti-bodies to fight against it. These antibodies are then passed on to her baby during feeding. Many hormones and enzymes are also present in breast milk which are essential for the baby’s growth and development. Breast milk is available to the baby at just the right temperature and as such there is no possibility of contamination of any kind. The quality of the breast milk depends a great deal on the diet of the mother during pregnancy.