Is breast still best? With all the concerns about chemicals in breast milk, should women still breast feed their babies? The answer may surprise you.
Chemicals in breast milk?
Yes, it’s true that mother’s milk may contain some chemicals (formula definitely does). Owing to the polluted world we live in, chemicals can and do enter a mother’s body and breast milk. However, although being exposed to chemicals in the womb can be bad for baby, typical levels of chemicals in breast milk do not seem to cause much harm. And, although breast milk with high amounts of chemicals can reduce some of the benefits of breastfeeding, it is still the better choice!
Why is breast best?
Here are five reasons why:
Benefit 1: Baby gets colostrum
Colostrum is the thick yellow “first” or pre-milk produced by the mother in the first few days following birth. The pre-milk contains the perfect ratio of water, protein and minerals to see to the needs of the baby immediately following his or her birth. It is also high in antibodies and lactoferrin, a natural antibiotic. Breast-fed babies are therefore less likely to get pneumonia, diarrhoea, ear and other infections caused by bacteria and germs.
Benefit 2: Baby gets smarter
Studies show that babies who were breastfed score higher in IQ tests than those who were fed formula. Breast milk promotes optimal growth of the brain and nervous system. It is therefore also especially good for premature babies. Other benefits include a reduced chance of developing asthma and other allergies, cancer, diabetes or becoming overweight.
Benefit 3: Mom loses weight and gains other health benefits
The production of breast milk requires kilojoules and the body draws on the fat stores created during pregnancy to acquire these. It is, therefore, a great help in losing the fat picked up during pregnancy. Moms need to be aware though that breastfeeding can increase appetite and they should take careful to eat healthily.
The suckling of the baby at the breast also causes the uterus to contract, preventing excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum haemorrhage. Other added health benefits of breastfeeding, especially for an extended time period, is a lower risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers for the mother and a lower rate of hip fractures because of better bone density.
Benefit 4: Baby can digest solid food better
Recent research studies show that breast-fed babies have microbial communities in their gut that makes it easier for them to digest solid food. Those not exclusively breast fed are more likely to develop stomach aches and colic.
Benefit 5: It is natural and hassle-free
As it is manufactured by Mother Nature, mom won’t have to worry about things such as preservatives and allergens and whether it is a safe product to use. Mother Nature’s perfect packaging also saves mom a lot of washing up and having to sterilise bottles, which can be quite time-consuming when baby is still very young.
Sources
Booth, T. 2004. Pregnancy Q & A. Meadowbrook Press
Lees, C., Reynolds, K. and McCartan, G. 2003. The Pregnancy Question & Answer Book. Dorling Kindersley
Murkoff, H.E., Eisenberg, A. and Hathaway, S.E. 2002. What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Simon & Schuster
Prigg, M. 2015. Breast is best. Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
(Revised by M van Os)