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Making the right choices when it comes to feeding
your new baby will help to ensure he gets a good start in
life.
Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is, without question, the best source of nutrition
for newborn babies. It's packed with antibodies and helps
to establish the baby's immune system.
Babies who are breastfed exclusively are reported to be
at less risk of stomach upsets and infections of the ear,
respiratory and urinary tracts than those who are bottlefed
formula milk. They're also less likely to become obese or
suffer from constipation and vomiting. If there's a family
history of allergies or diabetes, breastfed babies are less
likely to develop these.
Breastmilk contains substances that help the development
of a baby's brain, retinas, gut lining and protective sheath
for the central nervous system. And there's more. Not only
does breastmilk contain all the nutrients a baby needs,
it also holds hormonal factors that help the baby's growth
and development. It carries digestive enzymes, too, which
help to digest the nutrients in the milk, helping the baby's
immature digestive tract.
When not to breastfeed
Breastfeeding isn't recommended for all women. For example,
those who are HIV-positive risk transmitting the disease
to their baby through their milk. If you're taking any medication
you should also check with your doctor or midwife before
breastfeeding.
Types of breastmilk
During the first few days after the birth, the breasts produce
a substance called colostrum. This yellowish fluid is packed
with antibodies and is very rich in protein, making it ideal
for newborn babies.
Day Milk Description
| Day |
Milk |
Description |
| 1 - 3 |
Colostrum |
Thick, yellowy milk, high in protein, antibodies
and some vitamins and minerals |
| 3 - 7 |
Transitional |
Thinner, white appearance. Composition
approaching mature milk. |
| 7 - 10 |
Mature |
More watery appearance, almost blue in colour
as the feeding begins and becoming white by the end of a
feed as the fat content increases. |
The colostrum soon changes and becomes thin and white (transitional
milk). Then, on the third to fourth day, the mature breastmilk
starts to come through.
At each feed the breasts produce two types of milk: foremilk,
which is produced at the beginning of a feed, and hindmilk,
which has more fat, energy and essential nutrients. As babies
grow it's important that they receive the hindmilk in order
to meet their nutritional needs.
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