Everything a baby needs nutrition wise to thrive and grow, especially within the first few months, can be found in a mother’s breast milk and it’s the perfect time for a mom to bond with her baby too. Here’s hoping that through this article, we can persuade more moms to breastfeed.

There is literally no comparison in terms of nutrients for a baby compared to what’s found in breastmilk. It’s a complete baby food which contains at least 400 different nutrients as well as hormones and disease-fighting compounds which can’t be found in baby formulas. Colostrums, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of a pregnancy, is recommended by World Health organisation (WHO) as the perfect food for newborns, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Proteins

Breastmilk is made up of whey and casein in a ratio of about 60:40. This particular balance of the proteins is what makes it the easiest to digest compared to formulas, which generally contain a greater percentage of casein, making digestion a bit more difficult. Other kinds of proteins in breastmilk are Lactoferrin,Secretory IgA, Lysozyme and Bifidus factor.

Fats

Breastmilk also contains fats that are essential for brain development and also for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The fat in breastmilk is a primary calorie source for a nursing baby. Long chain fatty acids in breastmilk are crucial for brain, retina, and nervous system development. While these are deposited in the brain during the last trimester of pregnancy, they are also available in breast milk.

Vitamin-rich

Here’s an interesting fact about the vitamin content in breast milk: The amount and types of vitamins found in it is directly related to the mother’s nutritional intake. This is why it is essential that the nursing moms gets adequate nutrition via a vitamin-rich diet.

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid are all crucial for a baby’s growth and development! Because of this, doctors and lactation consultants usually advise nursing mothers to continue taking their prenatal vitamins.

Protection for your baby’s health

Doctors and experts have always agreed that breastmilk is the healthiest food for your baby. Babies who are breastfed from birth are much less likely to be ill during the first few months of their life. Apart from that, they are also less likely to develop the following gastroenteritis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, urinary tract infections, eczema and ear infections.

Breastfeeding also reaps long-term health benefits – People who were breastfed as babies have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and are less likely to develop type two diabetes in adulthood than those who have been formula-fed.

Benefits of breastfeeding for moms:

• Quicker recovery from childbirth due to the hormone oxytocin which is released during breastfeeding, as it help return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and reduce postpartum bleeding.
• A reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, according to studies.
• A reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

You are naturally capable

Under normal circumstances, every woman who has given birth is naturally capable of breastfeeding her child. It may help if you’re comfortable though, so choose a good spot at home that has the ideal atmosphere. This will make a difference, especially when you are still new at breastfeeding and are trying to get the hang of it.

Holding your baby the right way

When it comes to breastfeeding, being comfortable and being able to get your baby to your breast easily are the two things that count. Hold your baby properly or there is a possibility you might end up with aching arms and even a sore back, and not to mention sore nipples! While many first-time moms find the cradle position works well, it really depends on the individual. The most important is that you and your baby are both comfortable before you even start feeding. With patience and perseverance, you will soon find the best breastfeeding position that works for baby and you.

Is my baby getting enough milk?

It’s quite common for new moms to worry about not having enough milk or feel uncertain if their baby is drinking the right amount. As a general rule, a newborn will need to be fed every two to four hours. The time between feeds will start to lengthen because the composition of breast milk naturally changes and also because a baby will start to drink more milk at each feed.

Breastfeeding is a magical experience, but it takes a bit of getting used to. Whenever you feel doubtful, remember that everything in life can be learned, and that includes breastfeeding. Keep in mind too, that breastfeeding takes practice. Give yourself as much time as you need to get the hang of it. Take it a day, a week or even just a feed at a time. If you’re having a ‘bad’ breastfeeding day, remember that you are doing the best you can for your baby and that tomorrow is always a new day to make it better.