Breast Feeding

LifeSource Vitamins

Human breast milk is the best food for newborn babies, and is recommended that breast feeding continue for at 12 months. There is a large body of evidence on the benefits of breast feeding for both mother and infant. With adequate support and good information on preventing some of the common problems associated with breast feeding, a woman's chances of successfully breast feeding her baby are greatly improved. Human milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients, enzymes, and anti-infective and immune support agents for babies. Human milk, made specifically for the needs of the newborn, is superior to all alternatives.

One significant advantage of human breast milk is its abundance of immune-protective and anti-infective agents, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, white blood cells, and other factors. These agents are known to help a newborn fight a wide variety of illnesses. Breast feeding has been found to help prevent diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infection, ear infection, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and other serious infections. In addition, it may possibly help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), insulin-dependent diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns Disease), ulcerative colitis, cancer, allergic diseases, and other chronic digestive diseases. Breast feeding may also enhance cognitive development.

The protein composition of breast milk is perfect for growing babies and is easy for them to digest. Breast milk also provides absorbable nutrients such s iron and zinc. Breast milk is also quick, easy, and cost-effective. Breast feeding promotes bonding, allowing a mother and her baby to be in close physical contact, enhancing the formation of a close mother-baby bond.

Breast feeding a new baby has many important health benefits for the mother as well. Breast feeding immediately after childbirth causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This results in less postpartum blood loss and a more rapid return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. While breast feeding, most women will not immediately resume their ovulation and menstrual periods. Delaying the return of ovulation may extend the time between pregnancies. Women who breast feed for at least six months lose weight more quickly than women who breast feed for less than three months. And, while breast feeding can cause a short-term loss of bone density, it also seems to improve the body's ability to rebuild bones postpartum. In addition, women who have breast fed their babies may have fewer osteoporosis-linked hip fractures after they've passed through menopause. Breast feeding has also been associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer and a reduced risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Recommended Foods

Pregnant and breast feeding women should choose a well-balanced and varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish. The caloric needs of a breast feeding woman are even higher than during pregnancy. Most women should consume approximately 2,800 calories per day to meet the energy needs of breast feeding. A woman should continue to take prenatal vitamins in order to meet the nutrient requirements of breast feeding. Especially important is continued intake of calcium and calcium rich foods.

Breast milk contains essential fatty acids. The fat composition of breast milk varies with a woman's diet. If a woman consumes foods that provide essential fatty acids (canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil, nut and seed oils, and fish), the breast milk she produces will contain higher quantities of essential fatty acids.

Drinking to quench thirst is enough to support a healthy milk supply. Women are frequently instructed to drink extra fluids to increase milk supply. This is a common misunderstanding.

Foods to Avoid

Many doctors recommend limiting intake of refined sugars, white flour, fried foods, processed foods, and chemical additives. Caffeine, which is considered a drug, is excreted into breast milk. A morning cup of coffee is not likely to cause problems. However, if the mother is a heavy caffeine user, caffeine can accumulate in the infant. A baby who is irritable or sleeping poorly may be reacting to caffeine in the mother's diet. A woman can switch to decaffeinated coffee and tea to effectively reduce the amount of caffeine her baby receives through milk.

Other Recommendations

It is best to avoid all unnecessary medications, herbs, and nutritional supplements when breast feeding. Most prescribed and over-the-counter medications, when taken by a breast feeding mother, are considered safe for the infant. However, a doctor should always be consulted before any medication is taken. There are a few medications that mothers may need to take that may make it necessary to interrupt breast feeding temporarily.

Alcohol reaches maternal milk in concentrations similar to those in the mother's blood. Therefore, it is best for breast feeding mothers to minimize or eliminate alcohol consumption. Breast feeding mothers also should not smoke. Nicotine passes to the baby through the breast milk and can cause feeding problems and illness, especially in newborns. Babies should also be protected from the dangers of second-hand smoke, which has been shown to increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Women who wish to use supplements while breast feeding should consult their doctors and use only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

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