breast milk

Best for baby

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Your Health - Dr. Gita Mathai

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Last week (August 1-7) was breast feeding week, and the entire world was involved in the great “latch on” — a word that best describes the way mammalian babies find their mothers and derive nutrition. Mothers gathered in public places and demonstrated that it was possible to breast feed babies, in public, discreetly and elegantly, and there was nothing “indecent” about it.

Breast feeding, though natural, is a failing art. It needs to be actively promoted, and not just for one week a year.

Breast milk is rich in fat and omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains the fat digesting enzyme lipase, so that all the fat is digested and absorbed. It also contains immunoglobulins (IgA), which protect the child against common viral, bacterial and gastrointestinal diseases. The composition and quantity of milk changes and regulates itself as the child grows older.

All mammals produce milk and the composition for each species is specific. Cow’s milk is best for calves and goat’s milk for kids. Human milk cannot be replicated in a factory, despite best efforts by the infant formula industry. The companies have tried various nutritious additives but it is not the “real thing.”

Manufacturers have tried to base the composition of formula milk on a human mother’s milk, analysed at approximately one to three months postpartum. Still, there are significant differences in the nutrient content of these products. For formula, purified cow’s milk, whey and casein are used as the  protein source, a blend of vegetable oils as the fat source and lactose for carbohydrates. Each manufacturer tries to add different vitamins and minerals to claim superiority over other products. None contain trace elements and immunoglobulins. It does not protect the child against disease. The fats are also not digested well and the stools of formula fed babies are foul smelling.

WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that infants  be exclusively breast fed for the first six months. To do this efficiently, the mother should be given a peaceful environment, an adequate diet and plenty of fluids. Drinking a glass of water before and after feeding ensures adequate flow of milk.

The baby has to search for the nipple, find it and latch on. Placing the nipple against the baby’s cheek can do this. Pushing the nipple into the mouth is counterproductive. The baby should be held at an angle of 45 degrees. Lying down and feeding the  baby is not a good idea.

Breast milk is always available on demand, it is sterile and at the right temperature. Our Indian clothes, with dupattas and sari pallus make breast feeding discreet.

The writer is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore and author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues please write toyourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in·    

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