Breastfeeding is a natural skill, and a normal way of providing young infants with the ideal food provided with nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. When it comes to nutrition, breast milk is the best food for most babies during the first year of life. Feeding should be initiated within a half-hour of birth, as the Colostrums (also known as beestings or first milk), the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced by the mother at the end of pregnancy (in the first 3 days after labor). It is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn because is very healthy for the child. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age as Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. A lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life contributes to over a million avoidable child deaths each year. Breastfeeding along with complementary feeding practices is recommended up to two years of age or beyond.
There are many reasons why breast is best. Mother milk is a formula carries substances that are critical for the development of many systems in the body, Breast milk contains the appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, vital vitamins, digestive enzymes, and hormones that infants require for baby’s health. Breast milk also contains certain nutrients and antibodies from the mother that promotes health and helps to prevent disease, which protect the baby from common illnesses through-out life and help the baby resist infections.
Breast milk provides adequate nutrition and immunity for the baby. As children who are breastfed have continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection.
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood obesity, which is a growing epidemic in the United States or get diabetes. human milk contain Cholesterol and other types of fat that builds brighter brains and support the growth of nerve tissue.
All babies need to have enough vitamin D which helps your baby’s body absorb calcium and prevent a bone-weakening disease called rickets which affects the way bones develop and grow, resulting in bowed legs. Vitamin D also is needed for the healthy development of strong bones and teeth. Breastfed babies need multivitamin drops containing vitamin D starting in the first few days of life.