Mothers are highly encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of their lives as it will provide multiple benefits for the child. — Positive Parenting
Breast milk is often recommended as the best source of nutrition for newborns by healthcare professionals.
However, new mothers often wonder: what exactly makes breast milk so nourishing for newborns?
Well, breast milk contains a diverse array of nutrients for newborns.
Here is a quick look at the different components it contains, and their benefits for newborns:
Functions as the main source of water for newborns, helping them to maintain their hydration.
Important for physical development as they are used to build, strengthen and repair body tissues.
Specific proteins (e.g. lactoferrin, lysozyme and bifidus factor) contribute to iron transport, healthy gut flora and the overall well- being of the newborn.
Facilitates the absorption of fat- soluble vitamins, acts as a primary source of energy, and supports the development of the brain, retina and nervous system.
Breast milk contains all the necessary lipids needed to support the initial six months of a newborn’s life.
Lactose is a type of sugar and is the main carbohydrate found in breast milk.
It provides newborns with another source of energy, aids the absorption of minerals (e.g. calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc) and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Consists of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (C, B2, B3 and B5).
They help to safeguard newborns against nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.
It is important to note that the amount of these vitamins available in breast milk depends on the vitamin intake of the mother.
Contains a range of different minerals (e.g. iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, magnesium, selenium, etc) that contribute to building strong bones, producing red blood cells, and promoting muscle and nerve function.
Breast milk also enhances your baby’s immune system.
After childbirth, the “first milk” (called colostrum) is especially rich with nutrients and antibodies that help protect your baby from potentially dangerous infections.
Even as your baby grows, breast milk continues to provide essential antibodies and nutrients that facilitate the growth of good bacteria, which help to lower the risk of infections.
The many other benefits of breast milk include:
As your child grows and develops, so does your breast milk.
It has the ability to adjust according to your child’s requirements, tailoring itself to meet their changing needs.
Breast milk is a dependable and safe source of nourishment for newborns, unaffected by factors like power availability or access to clean water.
Breast milk is known to contain hormones that influence growth and development.
It also contains enzymes that help to aid the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Breast milk does not require any packaging or transportation.
It also leaves zero waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.
In conclusion, breast milk is the optimal choice for feeding your newborn because it gives them the best nutrition, boosts their immune system, and comes with many other benefits.
As such, it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby for their first six months of life.
After that, you can keep breastfeeding while starting complementary feeding until your child is two years old.
Wong Hui Juan is a nutritionist and Nutrition Society of Malaysia member. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
