|
The Secrets To Providing Infant With The Best Nutrition After Birth
While there are currently many substitute formulations
available for providing newborns and infants with adequate
nutrition, breastfeeding should never be considered as one
of many possible options. This is because the breast
secretions furnished by the mother meet not only the
nutritional needs of newborns and infants, but their
developmental needs as well.
The pre-milk, or colostrum, secreted immediately after
birth is important for the development of a healthy
digestive system, and both colostrum and mature breast milk
play crucial roles in the development of a strong immune
system.
To get the maximum benefits from these secretions and
ensure optimal growth and nutrition, breastfeeding should
always be chosen over artificial formulations and other
food sources for as long as possible throughout the first
year of life.
Colostrum is the first food available to breastfeeding
newborns, and remains the primary mammary secretion for the
first 3-4 days after birth. The composition of colostrum is
very different from that of mature breast milk.
In addition to being more yellow or orange in appearance,
it is also much thicker, and is secreted in far smaller
quantities. Because colostrum is a concentrated, easily
digested food source that is tailor-made to meet the
nutritional needs of newborn infants, breastfeeding babies
do not require the large volumes of fluid required for
bottle-fed babies during the first few days of life.
Breastfeeding and colostrum play an equally important role
in the rapid development of the digestive system
immediately after birth, and in the further strengthening
of the immune system throughout the first few weeks of
life.
Colostrum is rich in non-nutritional proteins essential for
the maturation and decreased permeability of the lower
digestive tract, and newborns receiving colostrum during
the first three days of life show a decreased incidence of
diarrhea during their first 6 months.
Colostrum also contains high concentrations of antibodies
called immunoglobulins. Rather than being absorbed in the
body, the immunoglobulins in colostrum adhere to mucosal
surfaces in the throat, lungs, and intestines of newborns,
protecting them against infection by preventing pathogens
from sticking to or penetrating these surfaces.
In order to ensure optimal digestive and immune system
development and meet the changing nutritional needs of
newborns and infants, breastfeeding should occur as often
as possible, with newborns ideally having constant access
to breasts during the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.
A good general guideline to follow for breastfeeding
frequency is 8-12 times throughout each 24-hour period.
More frequent feeding stimulates increased mature milk
production, and also helps prevent engorging as babies get
older.
If possible, infants should continue breastfeeding for the
first 6-12 months to aid in the further development of the
immune system. To prevent the onset of milk or other food
allergies later in a baby's development, it is often best
not to introduce other foods into the diet during this
time.
**Click Here To Buy Now**
|
