Why is breastfeeding so important to a baby`s health?
There are 4 main factors which we should concentrate on:
- Creation of positive emotions and better indicators of mental development.
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Formation of a healthy bacterial environment in the large intestine (Gut bacteria)
- Formation of a healthy skeletal system.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Breast milk is a complex fluid that contains a wide range of substances that are important for the growth and development of a newborn baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby under six months of age.
At the age of 6 months, it is necessary to introduce complementary foods, especially considering the provision of the child’s needs for iron, and at the same time, continue breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth and continue up to 1 year, and if possible, longer.
In order to understand why breastfeeding is so crucial for a child`s health, we have to know the main components of breast milk.
Main Components of Breastmilk
Here are some of the critical components of breast milk:
Macronutrients
Breast milk contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which provide energy and support growth and development.
The ratio of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) in breast milk can vary based on several factors, such as the stage of lactation and the mother’s diet. However, on average, breast milk has the following approximate ratio of macronutrients:
Carbohydrates: About 7% of breast milk comprises carbohydrates, mainly lactose, which provides energy to the baby and supports the growth and development of the brain and nervous system.
Proteins: Breast milk contains about 0.8-1.0 grams of protein per 100 millilitres. The proteins in breast milk are easily digested and include a balance of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are necessary for the baby’s growth and development.
Fats: Approximately 3-5% of breast milk is made up of fats, which provide energy to the baby and support the growth and development of the brain, nervous system, and other organs. The fats in breast milk also contain essential nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain development.
It’s important to note that the composition of breast milk can change over time to meet the growing baby’s changing needs. For example, the fat content of breast milk tends to increase as the baby grows and requires more energy to support their development.
Micronutrients
Breast milk contains a variety of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are important for the growth and development of a newborn baby. Here are some of the critical micronutrients found in breast milk:
Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and growth.
Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for bone development and immune function.
Vitamin E: This vitamin is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Vitamin K: This vitamin is essential for blood clotting, bone development and for producing gut bacteria in the large intestine.
Thiamine (B1): This vitamin is important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2): This vitamin is essential for energy metabolism and growth.
Niacin (vitamin B3): This vitamin is essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): This is important for protein metabolism and the nervous system’s function.
Folate (B9): This vitamin is essential for DNA synthesis and cell growth.
Cobalamin (B12): This vitamin is essential for nervous system function and the production of red blood cells.
Iron: This mineral is important for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen.
Calcium: This mineral is important for bone development and nerve function.
Zinc: This mineral is important for growth and immune function.
Overall, the micronutrients in breast milk play an important role in supporting the baby’s growth and development and promoting their overall health and well-being.
Immunoglobulins
Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infections and diseases.
Breast milk contains several types of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, which are proteins that help protect the baby against infections and diseases. Here are the main classes of immunoglobulins found in breast milk:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA): This is the most abundant antibody found in breast milk. IgA helps protect the baby’s mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth, throat, and intestines, from infections.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): This antibody is found in lower levels in breast milk than IgA but is still crucial for protecting the baby against infections.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): This antibody is found in breast milk in small amounts and helps protect the baby against infections, especially those caused by bacteria.
Secretory immunoglobulin M (IgM): This specialised form of IgM is found in breast milk and helps protect the baby’s gastrointestinal tract from infections.
Overall, the immunoglobulins in breast milk play an essential role in supporting the baby’s immune system and protecting them against infections and diseases.
Hormones and growth factors
Breast milk contains hormones and growth factors that help regulate the baby’s metabolism and support growth and development.
Breast milk contains a variety of hormones and growth factors that are important for the growth and development of a newborn baby. Here are some of the essential hormones and growth factors found in breast milk:
Prolactin: This hormone is responsible for initiating and maintaining milk production in the breast.
Oxytocin: This hormone is involved in milk letdown, which is the milk released from the breast during breastfeeding. Oxytocin also plays a role in promoting bonding between the mother and baby.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): This growth factor helps stimulate the growth and development of the baby’s tissues and organs.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF): This growth factor helps promote the growth and repair of the baby’s intestinal lining, which is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β): This growth factor helps regulate the baby’s immune system and supports the development of their intestinal lining.
Leptin: This hormone helps regulate the baby’s appetite and metabolism.
Overall, the hormones and growth factors in breast milk play an important role in supporting the baby’s growth and development and promoting their overall health and well-being.
Enzymes and digestive factors
Breast milk contains a variety of enzymes and digestive factors that help promote digestion and absorption of nutrients in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Here are some of the critical enzymes and digestive factors found in breast milk:
1. Lipase: This enzyme helps break down fats in breast milk, making them easier to digest and absorb.
2. Amylase: This enzyme helps break down carbohydrates (starches and sugars) in breast milk, making them easier to digest and absorb.
3. Proteases: These enzymes help break down proteins in breast milk, making them easier to digest and absorb.
4. Lactoferrin: This protein helps bind and transport iron in breast milk, making it easier for the baby to absorb.
5. Alpha-lactalbumin: This protein helps facilitate the production of lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk.
6. Bifidus factor: This carbohydrate promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as Bifidobacteria) in the baby’s intestines, which helps support digestive health and immune function.
7. Secretory IgA: This antibody helps protect the baby’s gastrointestinal tract from infections and promotes immune function.
Overall, the enzymes and digestive factors in breast milk play an important role in promoting the baby’s digestive health and supporting their overall growth and development.
White blood cells
Breast milk contains white blood cells that help fight infections and support the baby’s immune system.
Overall, breast milk is a complex and dynamic fluid that provides a wide range of nutrients and other beneficial substances that are important for a baby’s health and development.
Now let`s move on to the topic of the positive impacts of breastfeeding on the baby`s health, considering that breastfeeding includes not only essential components of milk but also the connection between mother and child during breastfeeding.
Positive impacts of breastfeeding on the formation of a child’s health
Here are some of the most significant impacts:
1. Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients a growing infant needs, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Breast milk also contains immune-boosting substances such as antibodies and white blood cells, which protect infants from infections.
2. Reduced Risk of Infections: Breastfeeding provides the infant with antibodies passed from the mother’s milk to the infant. These antibodies help to protect the infant against various infections and illnesses, including ear infections, respiratory infections, and diarrhea.
3. Reduced Risk of Allergies and Asthma: Studies have shown that breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life. This is because breast milk contains substances that help to protect the infant’s immune system and prevent allergic reactions.
4. Improved Cognitive Development: Breastfeeding has been linked to improved cognitive development in infants, including better language development, higher IQ scores, and better memory.
5. Improved Digestive Health: Breast milk is easily digested by infants, and it helps to prevent digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhoea.
About benefits for Digestive health, we will go deeper:
- Breast milk is easy for infants to digest because it contains proteins that are more easily broken down, and they are naturally adjusted to the needs and peculiarities of a baby`s digestive system compared to formula. Breast milk also contains enzymes that aid in digestion.
- Breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from constipation because breast milk contains the ideal balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which helps to promote regular bowel movements.
- Breast milk has natural antibodies that help to protect infants against diarrhoea-causing pathogens. These antibodies can help to reduce the risk of diarrhea in breastfed infants.
- Breast milk contains immune-boosting substances, such as antibodies and white blood cells, that help to protect infants against gastrointestinal infections.
- Breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of developing food allergies in infants. This is because breast milk contains small amounts of the proteins found in everyday food allergens, which can help to desensitise the infant’s immune system to these proteins.
- Breast milk contains prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the infant’s gut. These bacteria play a crucial role in digestive health, immune function, and producing vitamin K, which is crucial for developing strong bones.
6. Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS, which is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age.
7. Improved Bonding between Mother and Infant: Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and infant, allowing skin-to-skin contact and releasing hormones such as oxytocin, which promotes feelings of love and bonding.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers
A woman who breastfeeds her baby has a lower risk of developing malignant diseases (breast and ovarian cancer).
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for mothers and the benefits it offers for the baby. Here are some of the key benefits of breastfeeding for mothers:
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Studies have shown that breastfeeding can help reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Faster postpartum recovery: Breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones that help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, which can help speed up postpartum recovery.
Reduced risk of postpartum depression: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety in mothers.
Contraception: Breastfeeding can act as a natural form of contraception, as it suppresses ovulation and can delay the return of fertility.Cost-effective: Breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to feed a baby, as it does not require the purchase of formula or bottles.
Convenient: Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature, making feeding on demand more accessible and more convenient for both the mother and baby.
Bonding: Breastfeeding can help promote bonding between the mother and baby, as it releases hormones that help promote feelings of love and attachment.
In Summary
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for a child improving his health in several ways, including providing easily digestible nutrients, reducing the risk of constipation and diarrhoea, protecting against gastrointestinal infections, reducing the risk of allergies, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits also for mothers, including improved physical and emotional health and increased convenience and bonding with the baby.
I hope you found this article on “The Secret Power of Breastfeeding: How It Influences Your Baby’s Health” enlightening and informative. If you enjoyed reading it and gained valuable insights, I encourage you to share it with your friends and followers on social media. Help us spread awareness about the incredible impact of breastfeeding on your baby’s health.
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