A baby’s diet is of primary concern for young parents as it is responsible for the baby’s overall development. While most parents still prefer the old school method of breastfeeding, some parents switch to formula milk for numerous reasons such as low milk supply or time commitments, especially during the first few months. Sometimes the switch is also due to misinformation around perceived health benefits of formula milk.
It is safe to say that for your baby, breastmilk is THE Superfood that he/she requires. Not only is it easy to digest for the baby, but it is also readily absorbed by your baby’s body.
If the nutrition profile of breast milk is scanned, it is found that breast milk carries just the right amount of essential nutrients, vitamins, fats, proteins and antibodies that your baby needs.
It is amazing to note, that the composition of breastmilk continually adapts over a period of time to better suit the growing baby’s needs.
Research shows that breastfed babies have a greater sense of taste and smell, have higher immunity and a lower risk of allergies. The risk of obesity and type 1 and 2 diabetes also falls down drastically.
Breastfeeding helps the baby develop a stronger immune system, thereby reducing the risk of ear infections and gastroenteritis (Stomach flu).
Moreover, the response of breastfed babies towards high-risk diseases such as standard polio and tetanus has also been better. It has also been noted that there are lower incidents of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if the babies are breastfed.
Breastfeeding is equally beneficial for the mothers as well. Breastfeeding helps young mothers to lose weight and reduces the risk of diabetes, as well as breast and ovarian cancers.
Equally important to mention is that breastfeeding is the most natural method of baby’s bonding with its mother, ensuring the baby feels safe and secure.
In a comparison between formula milk and breast milk, it is seen that while formula milk fulfills the nutritional value to some extent, there are a lot of naturally occurring antibodies, hormones, and enzymes that are only present in breastmilk.
Although choosing one’s baby food is a personal choice, it is advised that a baby is exclusively fed breast milk for the first six months. It provides ample time for your baby’s body to generate required antibodies and develop in a healthy fashion.
Happy Parenting!
Appropriate and healthy feeding of your baby is very important during the first year of life Mothers milk Best Nutrition for New Born. Nutritionally, mother’s milk contains sufficient quantities of proteins, carbohydrates and fat, making it the complete nutritional package for babies.