As soon as a baby is born, they deserve four major requirements on priority: warmth, hygiene, medical observation and immediate nutrition. The baby feels a sense of security and warmth in her mother’s arms. Alongside, the main source of nutrition for babies comes from milk. Be it the formula or the breastmilk, milk gives them comfort, satisfaction and nourishment.
Milk – The Only Source Of Initial Nutrition Every Baby Needs
The moment a baby is born, the calmness and warmth she felt all the while she was inside the womb is taken by the ambiguous external environment. Giving them a cosy wash and putting them close to their mother is the first thing to do immediately after the initial medical observation. Sipping those golden drops of breastmilk calms them down and leads to a contended demeanour. Despite receiving nourishment, babies display signs such as relaxed body posture and they even fall asleep sometimes. Not just these, nursing can help release hormones like oxytocin in both the baby and the mother, fostering a strong bonding between them.
But why just milk and not any other food? Well, the answer is obvious. The digestive systems of newborns are not yet developed enough to handle any foods other than milk. Their immature digestive tracts cannot yet break down and process complex proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, thus making milk their primary source of nourishment. Milk provides all the essential nutrients, antibodies and enzymes necessary for their early growth and development.
Breastmilk – the First Priority:
- Antibodies and Immune Development: Breast milk is rich in antibodies, enzymes and immune-boosting factors that help protect infants from infections and illnesses.
- Nutritional Value: Breast milk is tailored to meet a baby’s nutritional needs. It contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals required for a baby’s optimal growth and development.
- Digestibility: Breastmilk is easier for infants to digest compared to formula. This is because breast milk contains components that are specific to the human infant’s digestive system.
- Promotes Bonding: Breastfeeding helps foster a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby. The physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding offer comfort and security for the baby.
- Adaptability: Interestingly, the composition of the breastmilk is also not the same throughout the baby’s growth phase. It changes over time to cater to the changing needs of a growing baby. That means, the milk produced during the early days is different from mature milk and it evolves as the baby grows.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies and Diseases: Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of certain health conditions including allergies, asthma and others, in the later stages of life. It also offers immunity against various infections. Also, the act of breastfeeding helps strengthen the baby’s oral muscles promoting proper jaw and tooth development.
- Convenience: Needless to say, breastmilk is readily available at the right temperature and it is also cost-effective as compared to formula. Also, the act of breastfeeding doesn’t involve producing, packaging and disposing of like in the case of formula.
- Tuned According To The Mother’s Diet: Breastmilk can provide the baby with various flavours based on what the mother eats. If the mother maintains a balanced diet and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and good tastes, the baby gets to experience all of them, indirectly influencing their taste preferences.
Breast milk is considered the primary source of nutrition for infants for several important reasons. All in all, breastfeeding is important but that doesn’t mean that we should shrug off the situations where it may not be possible or suggested for a baby or a particular family. In such cases, infant formula can safely replace breast milk under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, if there are no constraints against breastfeeding, it should be noted that breastmilk makes an important part of a baby’s diet for the first six months and continues to be a vital part of their diet alongside complementary foods for up to two years or above.
How To Improve Breastmilk Production Naturally?
To naturally improve breastmilk production, it is advised to stay well-hydrated. Dehydration often leads to a decrease in overall fluid volume in the body, including the mammary glands responsible for milk production. For this reason, adequate hydration is mandatory. Adequate hydration supports the process of lactation by ensuring that there is enough water available for the body to produce breast milk. Not staying hydrated can impact the milk supply and affect the overall health of both the breastfeeding mother and the baby.
Consuming a balanced diet that includes foods rich in nutrients like iron and calcium is a must. Oats work positively on milk supply as they are rich in iron and fibre. Similarly, Fenugreek and leafy greens like Spinach and Kale are good sources of nutrients that promote lactation. Garlic is also believed to enhance lactation while its flavour may transfer to breast milk. Nuts and seeds like almonds, sesame and sunflower seeds are rich sources of healthy fats and nutrients that enrich breastmilk production. Lean protein sources like chicken, fish and tofu contain essential amino acids that add up to both the production and nutritional value of breastmilk.
Breastfeeding mothers are also advised to take enough rest. Importantly, a breastfeeding mother should continue breastfeeding or expressing milk from time to time. Continuous breastfeeding or expression of milk elevates the production of breast milk. Additionally, certain herbs like fenugreek and blessed thistle may be helpful. However, before including anything vague in the diet based on random suggestions, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Sometimes, when the natural methods seem to work less in certain individuals for breastmilk Production, doctors may recommend supplements to enhance breast milk production. These supplements include Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish oil, calcium and Vitamin D, iron, Folic Acid, and Galactagogues that include certain herbs like fenugreek or prescription medications like Domperidone, and Metoclopramide. Be cautious to never use these by yourselves without consulting your healthcare provider.
Breastmilk though is the primary source of nourishment for the baby, shouldn’t necessarily put you down in case of lesser possibility to produce it. Every person and their anatomy is different, every person and their requirements are different. It’s important not to compare yourself with others and succumb to mom’s guilt. Whether you are breastfeeding or forced to formula feed, you are a mother who does ‘only the best’ for her baby.
