| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Here's a good reason why junior should be breastfed: A Harvard School of Public Health's Nurses Study has found that a mother's milk is beneficial for her baby's weight, as breastfed infants are less likely to grow into obese children.
Data from the study, which involved more than 15,000 children, showed that the group of infants who were exclusively breastfed, enjoyed a 34 per cent lower risk of childhood obesity, compared to babies who were exclusively fed with formula.
That's good news on both fronts, as women who breastfeed have been found to have lower risks of breast, ovarian and endometrial (womb) cancer, as well as osteoporosis. There is also a delayed resumption of one's menses.
According to Ms Cynthia Pang, lactation consultant, Lactation Services at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, breastfeeding reduces childhood obesity because it allows the baby to have a caloric intake that's more suited for his needs during the early stages of his development.
"The appetite-control mechanism of the higher-fat milk during a feed provides the satiety signal for the breastfed child to stop suckling and not overfeed," she said.
Aside from naturally regulating the amount of milk a baby takes, a mother's milk is beneficial because of its abundant store of nutrients — it contains fats and the right amount of proteins to meet a baby's nutritional requirements.
Ms Pang explained that these proteins are more easily absorbed by the body and are less likely to be converted and stored as fat, thus reducing a child's risk of obesity.
"The antibodies and protective substances present in breast milk also reduce the risk of childhood illnesses such as gastroenteritis, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection and respiratory infection."
And the list of benefits doesn't stop there — breastfed infants also have a lower risk of asthma and diabetes as the nutrients present in a mother's milk provide for the optimal growth and development of the child.
The protein composition present in breast milk also ensures that a baby is able to self-regulate his energy intake and metabolic programming early in life.
Ms Pang explained that the proportion of fat, carbohydrate and proteins in breast milk are changing constantly according to a child's age and demands, thus optimising nourishment and reducing his chances of being overweight later in life.
"Brain and vision development of the child are enhanced by various fatty acids, including DHA and many other nutrients that are present in breast milk," said Ms Pang.
Researcher Elizabeth J Mayer-Davis, PhD, of the Harvard study, also said that the findings further suggested that breastfeeding could help break the cycle not just of obesity, but also of diabetes among children whose mothers are diabetic.
Explaining this link, Ms Pang said that this is because obesity is a strong risk factor for the onset of Type 2 diabetes, as the excess weight one carries may lead to an increase in insulin resistance levels.
She recommends that a mother exclusively breastfeeds her baby for the first six months of life, then substituting breastfeeding thereafter with the appropriate weaning food as a complement to the infant's diet.
Tips for storing breast milk
• Breast milk can be stored in the freezer at temperatures of minus five to minus 15 degrees for three to six months, and at temperatures of minus 18 to minus 20 degrees (deep freezing), for up to a year.
• It can also be stored for 48 hours at four degrees and can be left at room temperature (25 degrees) for up to four hours.
• Ensure that all storage containers and breast pumps are washed thoroughly before use. Hand hygiene is also important.
• Refrigerate breast milk as soon as possible after collection if you have no intention of using it to feed the baby right away.
• A breastfeeding mum need not avoid eating anything in particular unless there is a strong family history of allergy, or when the baby shows symptoms of colic or develops an allergy. - TODAY/fa
|
