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Breastfeeding
: Breastmilk - Nature's Ideal First Food
There are plenty of good reasons why breastmilk is considered
baby's ideal first food. Breastfeeding is by far the most natural,
and most healthy way to feed your baby. Aside from promoting maternal
infant bonding, breastmilk offers many other advantages which
include protection against intestinal, ear and other infections.
During the first 6 months, breastmilk alone can provide virtually
all the nutrients needed to ensure your baby's normal growth and
development. In some cases though, but not all, exclusively breastfed
babies may need to take a vitamin D supplement, depending on the
amount baby's exposure to sunlight. The possible need to use supplements
should be decided on an individual basis with your pediatrician.
Benefits of breastmilk
Breastmilk is made up of a complex composition of important proteins,
fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, iron and many other nutrients
which are tailored to meet your baby's specific and changing needs.
These nutrients are delivered in forms which are easily absorbed
by your baby's delicate digestive system. Furthermore, breastmilk
is always sterile, or free of germs. For these reasons, children
who are breastfed tend to have fewer problems with diarrhea, constipation
and other digestive upsets than children who are fed formulas.
Another major benefit of breastmilk is that it contains antibodies.
Antibodies are substances created by the immune system to fight
off infectious germs such as bacteria and viruses. Antibodies
created in the mother's system are passed through breastmilk into
the baby's system, offering temporary protection against common
infections, including intestinal and ear infections. Breastfeeding
also reduces the incidence of food allergies in later life, as
well as promoting good mouth and jaw development.
Other Breastfeeding
Topics
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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