Breast Milk – Liquid Gold
To begin with, mother’s milk is the Best Food for Newborn . Nursing the infant can be a marvelous experience for both mother and baby. Breast milk provides the best nutrition and an exceptional bonding experience that many mothers cherish.
A number of health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for a newborn for the first six months from childbirth. Breast milk strongly defends against infections, prevents allergies, and protects against various chronic conditions due to its abundance of antibodies.
Colostrum –Best Food for Newborn
The watery substance produced by the breasts in the initial days after childbirth is called colostrum. Also, It is thick, typically golden yellow, and nutrient-rich, containing all the essentials for the healthy growth of the baby.
Further, colostrum is slightly concentrated, so the baby only needs a small amount, about a teaspoonful, at each feed. Initially, the baby may want to feed quite often, perhaps every hour to begin with(benefits of breast feeding).
Breastfeeding: The First Few Days
During the first 2 to 5 days, the slow flow of colostrum helps the baby learn the skill of nursing, requiring them to suck, breathe, and swallow milk.
Subsequently, after 3 – 4 days, the mother’s breasts start to harden, signaling an increase in milk supply and a transition from colostrum to mature milk, which is essential for the baby.
Hence, throughout this process, breast milk remains the Best Food for Newborn growth, being rich in antibodies that offer the first source of adaptive immunity in a newborn’s intestinal tract.
Benefits Of Breastfeeding
- Fighting infections and other conditions for the baby
- Provides nutrition and ease of digestion
- Offers different tastes based on the mother’s diet
- You can feed at your convenience
- Supports cognitive development
- “Skin-to-skin” contact for mom and child
- Beneficial for the mother during and after postpartum days
Breastfeeding Recommendations by WHO and UNICEF
- Breastfeeding within 1 hour of child birth
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months from child birth
- Introduction of nutrition-rich foods at 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond.
Formula Milk
If a mother perceives insufficient milk supply for the baby’s needs, seeking medical assistance is advisable. Lactation experts or counselors can provide valuable insights into the changes in the mother’s body and the newborn(how to boost supply of breast milk).
For mothers who feel their milk supply is low or decide not to breastfeed, infant formula milk serves as a viable alternative to breast milk.
However, for mothers who may worry about bonding if they don’t breastfeed, the truth is that loving mothers create a beautiful and special bond with their children, irrespective of the feeding method. Indeed, feeding, in any form, is a great opportunity to strengthen that bond.
3 Types of Formula Milk
Baby formula milk comes in three main types: Cow’s formula milk, soy formula milk, and specialized formula milk. Also, these formulas are available in three forms: powder, liquid concentrate (requiring mixing with water), and formula solution (marketed in ready-to-feed bottles).
Moreover, many mothers choose between breastfeeding and formula feeding based on their comfort, lifestyle, and specific medical circumstances. For moms who choose to formula feed their infants, infant formula milk serves as a healthy alternative and also the Best Food for Newborn .
To Conclude
Ultimately, both breast feeding and formula feeding are the Best Food for Newborn. what matters most is the well-being and the special connection forged between a mother and her child, regardless of the chosen feeding method. Each mother’s journey is unique, and the priority should always be the health, happiness, and thriving development of the newborn, guided by the choices that best suit the circumstances and preferences of both mother and baby.
