Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

*BREASTFEEDING*

Good Morning! As I write about breastfeeding today, I sincerely would like mothers and future mothers to take note of some very important facts.

Human milk provides unparalleled nutrition to infants in the early stages of life. WHO/UNICEF recommend exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months of life, with the introduction of complementary food at the age of 6 months, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually agreeable by the mother and the infant.

Breast milk is a comprehensive source of energy and macronutrients, as well as bioactive micronutrients essential for the growth and development of an infant. One of the things that we mustn’t fail to remember as mothers is that the human milk has in it all the vital nutrients needed for a child while he is growing. I mean all, no need for supplements. Easily accessible and easily digestible for the child’s body.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex sugars that are available in human milk. They are the 3rd largest solid component in breast milk after fat and lactose and have no nutritive function. HMOs are responsible for directly stimulating the immune system by promoting good gut bacteria, strengthening the gut barrier function and blocking pathogens. Infants fed human milk have different gut microflora, exhibit different growth patterns, and even face a lower long-term risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, types 1 and 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Hope the piece was worth your time?
Thanks for reading!

For more info on the topic, I recommend this Nestle page; https://www.nestlenutritioninstitute.org/world-breastfeeding-week

Have a great day ahead.
Article By: Immanuel Rottex

Food, Nutrients & Health.