Why Breast Milk is Still Best for Babies

Nutrition is one of the most important things that parents would want to ensure for their child, especially new parents who surely want to give their babies the best things that the world can offer. Breastfeeding is still considered best for babies. Experts recommend it because it has the nutrients that a baby needs to be healthy. They need to be breast-fed for six to 12 months.

The only adequate alternative for breast milk is instant formula. Cow’s milk is not recommended for an infant because it contains a different type of protein compared to that of breast milk. Humans, especially babies may have trouble digesting it. Cow’s milk is good for cows just as breast milk are great for humans. Solid food can be fed to a baby when he is four to six months old, and a baby should be breast fed for a full year. Babies who are bottle-fed usually grow bigger than those who are breast fed, but this does not essentially mean that they are healthier.

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Breast milk has at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. It is best for babies and no one can possibly be allergic to his own mother’s milk, although what the mother eats may affect the milk that she produces. If allergies on the baby occur, it is best for the mother to eliminate the cause of allergy in her diet. Breast milk also contains colostrum, which is the first liquid that flows out of the mother’s breast after giving birth. It provides antibodies that protect your baby until he has enough antibodies to produce on his own, when he gets older.

Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies, however, they should make sure that they are healthy for the method to be successful. The risks to breastfeeding and the need for a breast-milk substitute may occur possibly due to the baby’s disadvantage at birth, like being premature. Infant formula can be a very good breast milk substitute if prepared and used correctly.

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The good thing about breast milk is that it’s always safe and clean. It stays fresh in the mother’s breasts even if she does not breast feed for days. Milk from the mother remains safe for eight hours under any kind of climate, and even when not refrigerated.

In addition, the baby develops a strong jaw by sucking into her mother’s breasts. It helps in the growth of straight and healthy teeth because it is more difficult to suck on a mother’s breast than a milk bottle. The baby must continually suck the nipple of his mother and regulate the pressure of the breast when he is being breast-fed unlike when he is sucking on a bottle.

Primarily, a breast-fed baby will need to be fed eight to 12 times a day every 24 hours, especially since both the baby and mother has to try getting used to the process. Breast milk is easily digested by the baby compared to formula. The baby’s sucking of the breast stimulates the mammary glands, which makes the mother produce more milk. Breast milk provides the highest quality nutrition that a baby needs to be healthy.