Breastfeeding Information and Resources
With rare exceptions, breast milk is the ideal food for infants. Each mammalian species provides unique milk for its offspring, and milk from the human breast is no exception. It is a living fluid, rich in vitamins, minerals, fat, proteins (including immunoglobulins/antibodies), carbohydrates (especially lactose), enzymes, cellular components including macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as many other constituents that offer ideal support for the growth and maturation of the human infant.The uniqueness of human milk to support the growth and development of infants should not be underestimated. Scientists continue to identify new components and to clarify the purposes of known components. More than 200 constituents of milk have been identified.
Even as complementary foods are added after five to six months, breast milk continues to make an important nutritional contribution. Amazingly, as the infant grows and develops, the properties of the breast milk change. The sequence of colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk meet the changing nutritional needs of the newborn and infant. In addition, some of the constituent properties in the milk are different from one time of the day to another, and change over the months of the infant breastfeeding experience. Thus, the milk of a mother of a 9 month old has differences in concentrations of fat, protein and carbohydrate as well as physical properties such as pH compared with the milk of the mother of a 1 month old. (Lawrence, 1999)
Breastfed babies have additional protection against bacterial, viral and protozoan illnesses. Despite some methodological difficulties, various studies have documented decreases in the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and allergies (Cunningham, 1991; Cushing et al 1998). Breast milk supports the growth of the lactobacillus bifidus in the intestine of the breastfed infant and creates an environment that discourages the growth of pathogens, such as salmonella and shigella. In addition, lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, inhibits the growth of certain iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Breastfeeding also provides an economic incentive as a free and plentiful source of excellent infant nutrition. The cost of formula and other necessary supplies can exceed $1,000 each year.
In summary, there are many benefits to breastfeeding. Because community health nurses are so important to the promotion and maintenance of breastfeeding, we hope this web site will provide you with the information you need and want about breastfeeding.
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
- Breastfeeding Web Sites, Resources and Organizations
- Breastfeeding Information and Common Problems
- Inadequate Milk Supply
- Working and Breastfeeding
- Breastmilk v. Formula
- Breastfeeding Under Special Circumstances
- Medications, Drugs and Alcohol
- Pamela Hellings, R.N., Ph.D., C.P.N.P.