The Miracle of Breast Milk Protects Babies from Disease

Breast milk contains the perfect blend of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals that babies need. The content in breast milk is also easier to digest and absorb than formula milk or cow's milk. Therefore, breast milk is believed to be the main source of nutrition for babies.

Breast milk contains water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and enzymes. Judging from its content which is full of important nutrients, breast milk is said to reduce the risk of babies getting certain diseases, such as diarrhea, ARI, pneumonia, asthma, obesity, and diabetes.

If it is difficult to give breast milk directly, for example because the mother has to work or is having problems with the nipples, breast milk can be expressed and given using breastfeeding media. To facilitate the production of breast milk, mothers can consume breast milk smoothing foods.

Don't Waste Colostrum

Colostrum is breast milk that is produced immediately after the baby is born, although sometimes it can also be produced earlier, namely at the end of pregnancy. Colostrum can be yellow, orange or white in color, thick and sticky texture. Colostrum is rich in nutrients, including:

  • Proteins.
  • Vitamin A.
  • Nitrogen.
  • Salt.
  • White blood cell.
  • certain antibodies.

Although only a few drops, the content of the first breast milk, which is often referred to as the baby's first immunization, also has lower sugar and fat content than the milk produced later.

In addition, colostrum helps the process of passing meconium, by acting as a natural laxative fluid. Meconium is stool that accumulates before the baby is born. Newborns need to pass meconium to reduce the risk of jaundice.

After colostrum, mature milk will come out 2-4 days after the baby is born, depending on the frequency of feeding the baby on the first day of birth.

The content of breast milk changes according to the needs of the baby

The amazing thing about the content of breast milk is that the characteristics of this fluid can vary according to the needs of the baby. The content of breast milk in mothers who give birth to babies at a normal gestational age (term) will be different from the content of breast milk in mothers who give birth to premature babies. Over time, the content of breast milk also changes according to the age of the baby. The nutrition will be adjusted to the needs of the baby at each stage of growth and development.

The content of breast milk that is released at the beginning of each feeding session, is rich in water and lactose. Meanwhile, at the end of the breastfeeding session, the content of breast milk will be dominated by calories and fat.

Breast milk also contains white blood cells, and substances that form the baby's immune system such as immunoglobulins andlysozyme, with a composition that can change according to the age and needs of the baby.

Here are some of the components contained in breast milk are:

  • Carbohydrate

    Carbohydrates in breast milk in the form of lactose which helps reduce levels of bad bacteria in the stomach. These nutrients also aid in the absorption of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.

  • Protein

    Protein in breast milk generally consists of protein whey 60% and casein 40%. These two levels need to be balanced so that they can be more easily absorbed by the body and have a protective effect against infection. While the protein in formula milk contains more casein, so it is more difficult to digest. Specifically, the protein in breast milk consists of:

    • IgA, IgG, and IgMsexcretory

      All three are types of antibodies that play a role in protecting the body from bacteria and viruses, as well as preventing allergies.

    • Lysozyme

      Lysozyme acts as an enzyme that protects the body from bad bacteriaSalmonella andcoli.

    • Lactoferrin

      Lactoferrin plays a role in inhibiting the development of iron-dependent bacteria in the digestive tract.

    • Bifidus factor

      Plays a role in supporting the development of lactobacilli which protect the body from harmful bacteria.

  • Fat

    Fat is an important ingredient to support the absorption of certain vitamins, and a major source of calories. Fat also plays a role in supporting the development of the brain, nervous system, and retina.

  • Vitamin

    Vitamins contained in breast milk include A, D, E, K, C, niacin, and riboflavin which are important for the health and growth of babies.

  • Mineral

    There are various minerals contained in breast milk, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, magnesium, selenium, and chloride. This mineral has an important role in supporting the baby's growth and development, strengthening bones, muscles and nerves, and helping the absorption of nutrients.

There are many other ingredients in breast milk, which are estimated to contain more than 200 elements, and their benefits are still being researched. The content of breast milk is also known to be effective in reducing the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS), as well as increasing intelligence and strengthening the child's natural immune system. So, don't hesitate to give breast milk to your baby.