Benefits Of Breast Milk For Mum and Child Development

INTRODUCTION

Breast milk is the milk produced by the breasts (or mammary glands) of a human female to feed a child. Milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns before they are able to eat and digest other foods; older infants and toddlers may continue to be breastfed, in combination with other foods from six months of age when solid foods should be introduced.

Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the conclusion of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, yet having a unique course for every child. It does not progress at the same rate and each stage is affected by the preceding developmental experiences. Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development. Related terms include developmental psychology, referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to the care of children. Developmental change may occur as a result of genetically-controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction between the two. It may also occur as a result of human nature and our ability to learn from our environment.

There are various definitions of periods in a child's development, since each period is a continuum with individual differences regarding start and ending. Some age-related development periods and examples of defined intervals are: newborn (ages 0–4 weeks); infant (ages 4 weeks – 1 year); toddler (ages 12 months-24 months); preschooler (ages 2–5 years); school-aged child (ages 6–12 years); adolescent (ages 13–19). 

A child’s brain undergoes some remarkable changes in the first 3 years of life. Neural connections form more quickly than at any other stage as speech and language develops and the architecture and functionality of the brain are established.

COMPOSITION OF BREAST MILK

Breast milk contains complex proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and other biologically active components. The composition changes over a single feed as well as over the period of lactation. During the first few days after delivery, the mother produces colostrum. This is a thin yellowish fluid that is the same fluid that sometimes leaks from the breasts during pregnancy. It is rich in protein and antibodies that provide passive immunity to the baby (the baby's immune system is not fully developed at birth). Colostrum also helps the newborn's digestive system to grow and function properly.

Mean Value For Mature Breast Milk Per 100ml

Component	Mean Value
Energy (kj)	280
Energy (Kcal)	67
Protein (g)	1.3
Fat (g)	4.2
Carbohydrate (g)	7.0
Sodium (mg)	15
Calcium (mg)	35
Phosphorus (mg)	15
Iron (mcg)	76
Vitamin A (mcg)	60
Vitamin C (mcg)	3.8
Vitamin D (mcg)	0.01

Breast milk contains a unique type of sugars, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are not present in infant formula. HMOs are not digested by the infant but help to make up the intestinal flora. They act as decoy receptors that block the attachment of disease causing pathogens, which may help to prevent infectious diseases. They also alter immune cell responses, which may benefit the infant. 

IMPORTANCE OF BREAST MILK

Breast milk is nature's perfect baby food. It contains immunity-boosting antibodies and healthy enzymes that scientists have yet to replicate. Here are some advantages of breast milk for babies:

·        Protects against allergies and eczema. If there's a history of either in your family, it may be especially beneficial for you to breastfeed. Proteins in cow's milk and soy milk formulas can stimulate an allergic reaction, while the proteins in human breast milk are more easily digested.

·        Causes less stomach upset, diarrhea, and constipation than formula. This is also because breast milk is so easy for your baby's body to break down.

·         Reduces the risk of viruses, urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, ear infections, and respiratory infections. 

·        Lessens the risk of SIDS: Although the connection is unclear, breastfed infants account for only half as many SIDS cases as formula-fed infants do.

·         Makes vaccines more effective: Research shows that breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies.

·         Protects against diseases such as spinal meningitis, type 1 diabetes, and Hodgkin's lymphoma: You pass your baby immune factors and white blood cells through breast milk.

·        May make your baby smarter: Research is still inconclusive, but studies are pointing toward breastfed babies having higher IQ scores later in life, even when taking socioeconomic factors into consideration. The fatty acids in breast milk are thought to be the brain boosters.

·        Could help prevent obesity: Some studies show that breastfed infants are less likely to be obese later in life.

·        Brings baby close to you: Bottle-fed babies form bonds with their parents too, of course, but the skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding is reassuring to a newborn.

BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS FOR MOM

The benefits of breastfeeding don’t only extend to your baby. It turns out that breastfeeding can boost your health as well, since it:

       i.            Lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Studies show that women who breastfeed have less risk of these cancers later in life.

     ii.            Helps you lose pregnancy weight: Because milk production burns about 300 to 500 calories a day, nursing mothers tend to have an easier time losing pregnancy weight in a healthy way—that is, slowly and without dieting. "Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce. If you feed your baby 20 ounces a day, that's 400 calories you've swept out of your body," says Lawrence.

  iii.            Triggers your uterus to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size: In fact, in the first few weeks, you might feel mild contractions while you're nursing.

   iv.            May lower your risk of osteoporosis: According to Lawrence, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. "When a woman is pregnant and lactating, her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently," Lawrence explains. "So while some bones, particularly those in the spine and hips, may be a bit less dense at weaning, six months later, they are more dense than before pregnancy."

      v.            Heals your body after delivery: The oxytocin released when your baby nurses helps your uterus contract, reducing post-delivery blood loss. Plus, breastfeeding will help your uterus return to its normal size more quickly—at about six weeks postpartum, compared with 10 weeks if you don't breastfeed.

   vi.            Delays menstruation: Breastfeeding your baby around the clock-no bottles or formula-will delay ovulation, which means delayed menstruation.

 vii.             Can give you some natural birth-control protection: Granted, it's not as reliable as the pill or most other forms of birth control, but breastfeeding can keep you from ovulating if you follow these guidelines: Your period must not have resumed; you must breastfeed at least every four hours around the clock; you must not give your baby any pacifiers, bottles or formula; and you must be less than six months postpartum. According to Kelly (2019), nighttime feedings are the most important to the "lactation amenorrhea method," so do not let your baby (or yourself ) sleep through a feeding.

viii.            Gives you closeness with your baby: Most moms cite this as the biggest benefit of breastfeeding. Nursing is something special the two of you share.

   ix.            Can give you some natural birth-control protection: Granted, it's not as reliable as the pill or most other forms of birth control, but breastfeeding can keep you from ovulating if you follow these guidelines: Your period must not have resumed; you must breastfeed at least every four hours around the clock; you must not give your baby any pacifiers, bottles or formula; and you must be less than six months postpartum.

     x.            Gives you closeness with your baby: Most moms cite this as the biggest benefit of breastfeeding. Nursing is something special the two of you share. You and baby exchange looks, noises, and cuddles during a nursing session, and communicate love to each other.

BEST POSITION FOR BREASTFEEDING

The best position for you is the one where you and your baby are both comfortable and relaxed, and you don't have to strain to hold the position or keep nursing. Here are some common positions for breastfeeding your baby:

v Cradle position: Rest the side of your baby's head in the crook of your elbow with his whole body facing you. Position your baby's belly against your body so he feels fully supported. Your other, "free" arm can wrap around to support your baby's head and neck - or reach through your baby's legs to support the lower back.

v Football position: Line your baby's back along your forearm to hold your baby like a football, supporting his head and neck in your palm. This works best with newborns and small babies. It's also a good position if you're recovering from a cesarean birth and need to protect your belly from the pressure or weight of your baby.

v Side-lying position: This position is great for night feedings in bed. Side-lying also works well if you're recovering from an episiotomy, an incision to widen the vaginal opening during delivery. Use pillows under your head to get comfortable. Then snuggle close to your baby and use your free hand to lift your breast and nipple into your baby's mouth. Once your baby is correctly "latched on," support your baby's head and neck with your free hand so there's no twisting or straining to keep nursing.