Breast milk

From ArticleWorld

Breastmilk is the milk that a woman produces after childbirth for the purpose of providing her child with nutrients (via breast feeding).

Production

Breast milk is produced due to the influence of two key hormones: prolactin and oxytocin. It is produced after childbirth to feed a baby. Initially, the milk that is produced is referred to colostrums, which is high in immunoglobulin IgA. This immunoglobulin coats the intestinal tract and helps protect the newborn until he or she is able to build up his or her own immune system. It also creates a laxative effect and helps to prevent the buildup of bilirubin, which is a factor in infantile jaundice.

Composition

Breast milk has a consistent nutrient content and draws its ingredients from the mother’s food supply. For this reason, the mother should maintain a healthy diet: If the food supply is lacking of required nutrients, the content is taken from the mother’s own bodily stores. The ratio of water to fat fluctuates day to day, depending on food consumption and the mother’s diet. The milk released at the beginning of a nursing session is called foremilk. It is low in fat and high in carbohydrates. The milk produced at the end, hindmilk, is creamier and heavier.

History

Mothers – of all species – have always breastfed. Human mothers, therefore, have been doing so since the beginning of time.

However, in the 1950s the practice as considered outdated and infant formula was the preferred method. Formula, at this time, was considered superior to breast milk. Today, breast milk is once again the preferred method and is universally prescribed.