Breast milk is the first available food for babies and is the best nutritional choice. The advent of modern life has made commercial formulas available. While this is certainly a reasonable choice for the mother who is unable to produce enough milk, breastfeeding is the best choice for both the mother and the infant.
Nutritionally breast milk is an excellent choice because the “first milk” known as colostrum has important immunoglobulins to protect the infant against infections. Colostrum is also high in zinc which is important for the immune system; the zinc in breast milk is absorbed better by the infant than the zinc available in formula. Breast milk has balanced proteins (60% whey, 40% casein) and contains lactoferrin which provides protection against bacteria such as e. coli. It also has digestive enzymes to help with infant digestion and fatty acids that are needed for brain and retinal development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with many other health organizations, recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life. Exclusive breastfeeding means no supplementation with food, water, juice, or non-human milk. The AAP states, “Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to provide improved protection against many diseases and to increase the likelihood of continued breastfeeding for at least the first year of life.”
Breast milk is best for baby, providing the perfect balance of nutrition and immune support.
For more information:
American Academy of Pediatrics
What not to eat when breastfeeding
Is mother's milk always nutritious
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