Two boys breastfed and three contented people
Why I support the Rugeley Mass Feed
The best days of a mum’s life …….
Its appalling that there is this sort of ante breastfeeding culture here in the UK. Are we not a nation who loves our children and wants the best for them ?
A lass who was seen breast feeding in public has thankfully stamped her mark on the abuse she received. We so often hear that children are being fed poor diets and some people are failing to see the importance of the RIGHT nutrition for children.
What we feed our children and the habits we create from an early age are the blueprint for their future health.
Apart from breastfeeding my babies myself , the fantastic natural nutritional qualities of breast milk are second to none other for any child. One of my four children were bottle fed and clearly suffered far more digestive issues and appetite regulation issues than the others.
The World Health Organisation recomends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with solids gradually being introduced around this age when signs of readiness are shown.
Supplemented breastfeeding is recommended until at least age two and then for as long as the mother and child wish
Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby are:
Increased Intelligence.
Cold and flu resistance
Decreased risk of obesity n later life
Lower risk of childhood obesity problems
Decreased risk of asthma and eczema
Decreased dental problems
Decreased middle ear infections
Decreased risk of autism
Decreased risk of psychological disorders
Right from the first suck the benefits begin as the initial milk called colostrum is high in immogubulin IgA which coats the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to protect the babe until its own immune system is functioning properly. It also creates a mild laxative effect expelling the passing of meconium , the first stool that a baby produces which contains products of what the infant has ingested during its time in the womb.This helps to prevent the build up of bilirubin ( a contributory factor to jaundice)
This human milk is amazing it feeds and waters the infant, providing all the proteins, sugars,minerals and antibodies that the baby needs.
Human milk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion. Approximately 60-80% of all protein in human milk is whey protein. These proteins have great infection-protection properties.
Mums united!
Below are a list of the proteins in breast milk and their benefits.
Lactoferrin inhibits the growth of iron-dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This inhibits certain organisms, such as coliforms and yeast, that require iron.
Secretory IgA also works to protect the infant from viruses and bacteria, specifically those that the baby, mom, and family are exposed to. It also helps to protect against E. Coli and possibly allergies. Other immunoglobulins, including IgG and IgM, in breast milk also help protect against bacterial and viral infections. Eating fish can help increase the amount of these proteins in your breast milk.
Lysozyme is an enzyme that protects the infant against E. Coli and Salmonella. It also promotes the growth of healthy intestinal flora and has anti-inflammatory functions.
Bifidus factor supports the growth of lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that protects the baby against harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment where it cannot survive
fats
Human milk also contains fats that are essential for the health of your baby. It is necessary for brain development, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and is a primary calorie source. Long chain fatty acids are needed for brain, retina, and nervous system development.
vitamins
The amount and types of vitamins in breast milk is directly related to the mother’s vitamin intake. This is why it is really important for the mum to get the best nutrition too as hopefully she has through and pre pregnancy in preparation for conception.
. Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are all essential for baby’s growth. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and panthothenic acid are also essential.
Carbohydrates
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk. It accounts for approximately 40% of the total calories provided by breast milk. Lactose helps to decrease the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, which improves the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It helps to fight disease and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach.
Breastfeeding and Hormones
There are several hormones released during breastfeeding but my favourites are Prolactin and Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the warm belly feeling that we all feel when we see something we love an offspring, pet, lover etc it is secreted along with Prolactin
Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain and is responsible for the alveoli making milk. Prolactin rises when the baby suckles.
Oxytocin that causes tiny muscles around the alveoli to squeeze the milk via small tubes called milk ducts. These milk ducts progressively enlarge to end in the nipple and eject the milk from the nipple.
Oxytocin is AMAZING a woman can actually feel the muscles contracting as the baby suckles and this helps the uterus return to its normal size and health, reducing bleeding post birth.
Both prolactin and oxytocin help the mother form an emotional bond with her baby.
So can you see why this amazing gift of breast milk SHOULD be allowed to be enjoyed by our babies.
I’m afraid if not then its YOU who should be ashamed.
Please see the link if you would like to support the mums .