Milk and Brest Feeding

Milk and Brest Feeding

Breast Feeding is the Best for first six months.

Every mother has the right to choose breast feeding or bottle feeding.

Breast feeding depends what the mother eats and her general health.

The nutritional requirement of a breast feeding mother is more than when she is pregnant.

Mother should avoid taking drugs, medicine and smoking.

Demand feeding is the best approach.

Weaning is not recommended before six months.

If weaning is intended it should not be delayed beyond 5 to 6 months.

The breast milk substitute should be an infant formula Highly modified (humanized) cow’s milk.

Goat milk has no place in infant feeding.

Infant formulas are two types.

 

Whey Based;

Low in protein

Low in salt.

Low in calcium.

High in fats

 

Casein Based;

High in protein

High in salt

High in calcium

Low in fats

Infant formulas have added vitamins.

Cow’s milk is not recommended for infants.

Cow’s milk is high in salt, protein and calcium.

Infant formula generally recommended is whey based.

Follow on formulas have different composition.

They are cheaper than the whey based highly modified (humanized) infant formulas.

Milk alone is not sufficient after 6 moths and careful weaning should be introduced.

May be introduced between 12 to 18 months.

Milk should be prepared according to correct instructions. Concentrated milk can cause dangerous hypernatraemia.

If there is a family history of asthma and eczema continue breast feeding at lease for 12 months and the mother should avoid all potential allergenic foods during breast feeding.