fat. Therefore, the longer the baby nurses the higher
the fat content.
Proteins: The whey proteins found in breast milk are
easier to digest than formula. Taurine, an amino acid
that is important in the development of brain tissue,
is found in breast milk but not in cow’s milk.
Sugars: Breast milk contains lactose, a milk sugar
that provides energy. Breast milk contains 20-30%
more lactose than cows milk.
Vitamins and minerals: Breast milk provides the
most balanced source of vitamins and minerals for
an infant.
Immune system boosters: White blood cells and
immunoglobulins are responsible for fighting and
destroying infection.
The content of breast milk varies from feeding to
feeding, at different times of day, and as the baby
grows.Breastfeeding Benefits
Benefits for Baby
There are a plethora of benefits for the breastfeed-
ing baby, including:
Increased immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies
that are relayed by the mother and help to protect the
baby from bacteria and viruses. These immunoboos-
ters are not found in formula.
Low incidence of ear infections and respiratory
infections
Higher intelligence: Several studies have found
higher levels of brain-boosting DHA in the blood
levels of breastfed babies than in formula-fed babies.
Improved digestion and less constipation.
Decreased risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract
infections, and certain types of spinal meningitis.
Decrease in food allergies and eczema.Promotes normal weight gain: Breastfed babies are
less likely to be overweight than formula-fed babies.
Reduced risk of juvenile (Type 1) and adult onset
(Type 2) diabetes, celiac disease, cancer, rheumatoid
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, and acute
appendicitis.
Lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS).
Reduced risk of breast cancer (in daughters who
have been nursed).
Promotes development of jaw and facial structure.
Promotes bonding between mother and child.Benefits for Mother
Breastfeeding women also enjoy many benefits:
Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
Natural contraceptive: Many women who breastfeed
exclusively for six months experience a delay of
fertility.
Faster postpartum recovery: Breastfeeding uses up
extra calories so it’s easier for moms to lose their
pregnancy weight. Nursing also helps the uterus
shrink back to its normal size faster.
Relaxation: When a mother is breastfeeding her
body produces oxytocin, a hormone that induces a
calm, content feeling.
Protection from osteoporosis.
Saves time and money: Breast milk is cheaper than
formula and the mother doesn’t have to spend time
preparing bottles.
Better for the environment as there are no bottles to
wash or cans to dispose of.Mother nutrition
The ideal diet of a breastfeeding woman is com-
prised of healthy and nutritious foods from the five
basic food groups. The main concentration (50–55%)
should be made up of carbohydrate foods such as
pastas, grains, and fruits. Healthyfatssuch as fatty
fish and avocados should be 30%, and proteins should
equal 15–20%. Breastfeeding women should make
sure to eat foods that contain lots ofcalcium, such
as dairy products, broccoli, and beans, and make sure
they eat plenty of iron-rich foods like lean red meat,
fish and poultry.
In order to compensate for the energy they expend
breastfeeding their babies, breastfeeding women should
add 300–500 extra nutritious calories to their diet
each day and drink extra fluids. Breastfeeding mothers
should also continue to take a prenatal vitamin.KEY TERMS
Exclusive breastfeeding—Breast milk is the child’s
only food source of nutrition for the first 6 months of
life. No other solids or liquids such as formula or
water are introduced at this time, with the excep-
tion of liquid vitamins or medicines.
Oxytocin—A hormone that produces a calm,
relaxed feeling.
Postpartum—This refers to the period of time after
childbirth.Breastfeeding