by Sheetal Ahlawat

Created on: February 07, 2009

East or West- Breast is Best. There is no doubt that breast milk is the best milk for your baby.
Appropriate feeding is essential for maintaining good health and for the proper growth and development of babies. Breast milk alone is the ideal food for a baby for the first four to six months of her life. Semisolid and solid foods should be gradually introduced in her diet later, while she continues to take breast feeds. If the mother has sufficient milk, breast-feeding of the baby can continue along with solid foods till she is well beyond one year of age.

For first few months, the bay should not be given other fluids like glucose water, plain water, tea, cow' milk or powdered milk or honey, gripe water etc. For successful feeding it is important that you make yourself comfortable in the right position and also hold your baby in the right position.
Breast milk is the ideal, complete food for the baby and made exactly right for him/her. Breast milk contains the best type of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals in the right proportions.
Breast milk is easily digested. The baby gets less stomach upsets due to wind and vomits less after feeds. She passes soft, less smelly stools and doesn't get constipated.
Breast Milk contains antibodies, special white cells and other anti-infective factors which give your baby extra protection against infections. She suffers less from diarrhea, pneumonia, colds and other infections. Cow's milk and commercial infant formula milk powders do not contain antibodies and other protective factors. The incidence of diarrhea is about fifteen time more and of respiratory infections 3 times more in non-breast-fed babies as compared to those who are breast-fed. Allergy ( asthma, eczema and others) are less common among breast-fed babies.
Breast milk is especially good for premature babies. It is sterile, safe, readily available and the baby always gets it at the right temperature.
Early milk ( colostrum) is special: During the first 2 to 4 days after delivery, the breasts produce a deep lemon-yellow colored creamy secretion called the ' colostrum.' It is rich in proteins and minerals and contains some special anti-infective immunological factors. Don't doubt its food value or usefulness. It is especially made to fulfill all your baby's needs at this stage. It is particularly good if the baby is premature. Despite being secreted in small amounts, it does not need to be supplemented by additional milk, water or any other supplements.

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