Breast milk is an excellent food for babies and has significant benefits for their development. Breast milk is naturally designed to provide the energy and nutrients that babies need, which is especially beneficial in the first few months of life. Additionally, breast milk contains antibodies that can help strengthen the immune system and provide health protection for the baby.

The breastfeeding process between mother and baby also helps build emotional bonds between them. By receiving sufficient breast milk, the baby can grow and develop optimally and be protected from various infections and diseases.

Nutritional content of breast milk

Breast milk has a variety of nutritional contents, including:

Protein

Protein is one of the essential components in breast milk. There are various specific types of proteins in breast milk, including:

• Lactoferrin, which protects the baby by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that depend on iron in the digestive tract,
• Secretory IgA, which acts as antibodies in breast milk, protects the baby from exposure to viruses and bacteria, as well as from the possibility of allergies
• IgG and IgM, which help protect the baby from bacterial and viral infections
• Lysozyme, an enzyme in breast milk that helps promote healthy gut flora growth and has anti-inflammatory properties, protects the baby from Salmonella and E. Coli bacteria
• Bifidus Factor, which supports the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria, beneficial bacteria that create an unfriendly gut environment for harmful bacteria

Fat

Fat in breast milk  is needed as an energy source and also plays various roles in the body. Fat helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are important for vision, bone growth, immune system function, baby's brain development, and central nervous system development. Fat also plays a role in inflammatory response, cognitive development, and growth regulation of the baby.

Vitamins

When mothers consume adequate nutrition from food, including vitamins, they pass these vitamins on to the baby through breast milk. In addition to vitamins A, D, E, and K, breast milk also contains other important vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. Each of these vitamins plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the baby.

Carbohydrates

Breast milk contains lactose as a carbohydrate, contributing to about 40% of the total calories in breast milk. Besides providing energy, lactose also helps reduce unhealthy bacteria levels in the digestive tract, which can enhance the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the body. Additionally, lactose supports the growth of healthy bacteria, maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota in the baby.

The Latest WHO recommendations on breastfeeding

Previously, experts recommended exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continuing breastfeeding for 12–24 months. Now, WHO has updated its breastfeeding recommendations to continue breastfeeding until the age of 2 years or more.

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months means that the baby only receives breast milk without additional solid or liquid foods. This way, the baby gets optimal nutrition, is protected from infections and diseases, reduces the risk of digestive disorders, and develops a strong emotional bond with the mother.

After 6 months of age, while continuing breastfeeding with formula milk or animal milk, babies can start to be introduced to complementary foods and gradually increase the texture of food. Breastfeeding can now be continued for 2 years or more because this period is crucial for brain development, language acquisition, sensory inputs for hearing and vision, and the development of cognitive functions in children.

Want to know more about the benefits of breast milk and how to provide breast milk to babies? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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