The cornerstones of infant nutrition

There are many reasons why breastfeeding is the ideal method of feeding to support an infant's growth and development.

Infant benefits of breastfeeding include:

a. Colostrum is a thick, sticky fluid secreted for approximately three days before a mother's milk is produced. Colostrum is filled with nutritional benefits and acts as a laxative to kick start the infant's digestive tract. This essential fluid is also filled with protective antibodies and is high in protein and fat soluble vitamins.

b. Studies show breast milk is one of the most effective ways to protect against the development of allergies. Children who are breastfed tend to suffer less from allergies, asthma, digestive disorders and eczema. Breast milk provides these benefits because it is loaded with white blood cells and immunoglobins, which help to ward off potential infection. In particular, Immunoglobin IgA helps to protect the infant's immature digestive tract from potential pathogens. Lactoferrin, found in breast milk, also helps to block the growth of certain iron-dependent bacteria in the digestive tract.

c. Breast milk contains Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a derivative of the essential fatty acid omega 3, which is necessary for the healthy development and function of the brain and eyes.

d. Possible reduced incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and certain chronic diseases later in life such as type I diabetes, lymphoma, breast cancer, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Maternal benefits of breast feeding include:

a. Mothers who breastfeed tend to physically and psychologically bond with the child.

b.<.b> Studies show breastfeeding moms have a reduced risk for ovarian and breast cancer.

c. Moms who breast feed tend to experience easier weight loss.

The optimum time for babies to be breastfed is one year. However, most research indicates that only about 20 per cent of all infants are breastfed until the age of 5-6 months. Different reasons have been cited by moms as to why breastfeeding is not tried or continued, such as insufficient milk production, difficulty of infant latching on or pain and sore nipples. If one year is not an option for you, the first six weeks of life is when the child's immune system is most susceptible to infection. Breast milk provides the protection that the infant needs during this critical time.

If you are exclusively breastfeeding your infant, a vitamin D supplementation will be required. In addition, at 4-6 months, additional iron is needed and is typically added by beginning to eat cereal.

For more information on breast feeding, contact:

1. La Leche League at www.lalecheleague.org
• Canada: 1 800 665 4324
• United States: 1 847 519 7730
2. www.breastfeeding.com