Benefits of Mother Milk and Colostrum: Why breastfeeding is best ? Home Science TGT, PGT, UP LT, UGC NET, Assist. Professor exam Preparation 2024

Contents

What is mother milk?

Mother milk is also known as breast milk. It is produced from Mothers’ breasts to feed their infants/newborn babies.

What is the composition of breast milk/mother milk?

The composition of mother milk keep changing during time. In the first stage, it’s thin and watery, quenching the baby’s thirst. Later milk is richer in fat, providing calories and keeping your baby feeling full. The composition of Mother’s milk is given below as per World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Macronutrients: Macronutrients are the nutrients that body needs in large amounts to function properly. They are the main source of energy and provide the building blocks for our body’s tissues and processes.

Water: According to WHO & AAP both, Mother’s Milk contains 87-88% water.
Fat: According to WHO fat found in mother’s milk is approx. 3-5%, while as per AAP 40-55% of calories comes from fat which translates to roughly 4-6% of total volume.
Protein: According to WHO & AAP both, Mother’s milk contains approx. 1% protein.
Carbohydrates: According to WHO carbohydrates are around 7% in mother’s milk, primarily lactose. On the other hand AAP doesn’t specify a percentage but it confirms lactose as the main carbohydrate.

Micronutrients: Micronutrients are essential dietary elements that our body needs in small amounts, in the comparison of Macronutrients, to function properly.

The percentages for vitamins and minerals may vary as per mother’s diet and other factors.

Vitamins:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: Mother milk contains A, D, E, and K vitamins.
- Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin B (including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12) and C are found in breast milk. Quantity may vary depending on the mother’s diet.
Minerals:
- Adequate amounts: Mother’s milk contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. It provides sufficient amounts of most minerals for a healthy baby in the first 6 months, if mother is well-nourished.
- Possible deficiencies: Iron and iodine may be deficient in some cases, particularly in areas with widespread deficiencies in the population. Supplementation with iron and iodine drops might be recommended by a pediatrician.

Trace minerals: Zinc, copper, selenium, and other trace minerals are also present in breast milk, although specific amounts can vary.

Milk Composition Credit: B-Srilakshmi (Food Science)

What is/are the name of mother milk protein?

There are various proteins found in Mother’s Breast milk. Mother milk proteins’ names are lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, and IgA.

What is/are antibodies found in mother milk?

Mother milk contains antibodies to protect the newborns. Mother milk antibody name is Immunoglobulin A (IgA). It protects the infants from infections.

What is/are the benefits of mother/breast milk and What is the importance of breastfeeding for babies and mothers also?

The importance of breastfeeding is always discussed by Doctors and Dietitians and they always recommend mother’s milk for newborn babies not only for required nutrients but also to develop a bonding between mother and child. Breastfeeding benefits both mothers and babies. Mother milk provides the best nutrients for newborn babies, containing the right balance of essential nutrients, antibodies that support immune system development which help fight infections, and also promotes healthy growth and development. Breastfeeding is good for mothers too. It lowers the chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer, helps lose weight after giving birth, and strengthens the emotional bond with the baby.

Mother’s Breast Milk Alternatives, Breastfeeding Equipment and Supplies:

What is a substitute for breast milk?

Breastfeeding is always recommended, but if it’s not possible because of medical reasons or other unavoidable situations, using infant formula is a good alternative. Infant formula is made to be similar to breast milk in nutrition, but it doesn’t have the antibodies and live cells that breast milk has. It is designed to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk but it lacks the antibodies and live cells found in breast milk. Though infant formula is a safe alternative, consult your pediatrician to choose the right formula for your baby.

What is a Milk Bank?

A “milk bank” collects, checks, and provides donated breast milk for babies who are premature, sick, or unable to get their mother’s milk. India has several mother milk banks, such as the Human Milk Bank at Sion Hospital in Mumbai and the Amara Milk Bank in Bangalore, which provide donated breast milk to infants in need.

What is Mother Milk Powder?

Mother milk powder is dried and processed breast milk that can be reconstituted with water. It is used in situations where fresh breast milk is not available.

What is a mother milk pump/breast pump?

A mother milk pump, or breast pump, is a device used to extract milk from the breasts of lactating women. Using breast pumps can help mothers who are going back to work, have trouble with the baby latching, or need to produce more milk. It lets mothers save milk to use later.

What is the age limit for breastfeeding/mother milk?

There is no such strict age limit for breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) and AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to 2 years or beyond.

Let’s know about COLOSTRUM:

What is colostrum milk?

The first form of milk produced by the mammary glands just after giving birth is known as COLOSTRUM. It is thick, yellowish, and full of antibodies and nutrients that provide protection to newborns.

What is the composition of colostrum?

Colostrum is rich in proteins, especially antibodies like IgA, and contains vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates, providing newborns with essential nutrients and immune protection.

What are substitutes for colostrum?

Substitutes for colostrum include colostrum supplements derived from bovine sources, although they are not equivalent to the natural colostrum produced by human mothers.

We hope, we have provided enough information about Mother Milk. We have provided above information from various sources and internet research. Though we have tried to deliver it flawlessly with due care but, being a human, there may creep any inadvertent error, please validate the information from your sources too. Keep following if you really enjoyed our blog, follow us on our you tube channel https://www.youtube.com/@mitaksharaacademy and our website https://mitaksharaacademy.com/
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Pragati Bhatt

01/06/2024 at 8:20 PM

Good for preparation

Ankit Tripathi
01/06/2024 at 9:48 PM

It’s an honor to work for the Home Science Community. Let’s make it strong and knowledgeable together. Keep Studying. Keep Sharing. 🙂

Hirdesh

01/06/2024 at 8:30 PM

Ankit Tripathi
01/06/2024 at 9:47 PM

Its an honor to work for Home Science Community. Lets make it strong and knowledgeable together. Keep Studying. Keep Sharing. 🙂