Mother's First Milk

First milk is produced from the breast sometimes a few weeks before delivery and in the first 10 days after delivery. It's called the Colostrum.

Colostrum is clear or yellowish in appearance and is very valuable as it is rich in nutrients and antibodies which helps babies to fight against infections. Colostrum is only found in the mother's milk and not in formula milk. Although Colostrum is produced in small amounts, it has sufficient nutrients for the normal baby for the first few days of life.

Benefits of Colostrum:-
1) Colostrum is yellow, thick and rich in Vitamin A & E.
2) Colostrum provides the baby with antibodies which can protect them against allergies like diarrhoea, bronchitis and chest infection.
3) Colostrum is baby's first immunization.
4) Diluting it with supplements reduces the full benefits of colostrum.
5) Colostrum reduces incidence of asthma and stomach ache.
6) Colostrum stimulates the baby's immature intestines to develop.
7) Colostrum helps to prevent jaundice.

Breastmilk produced at the beginning of each feed is called the "foremilk", and the milk appears thereafter is the "hindmilk". Do not be supprise as "Foremilk" is watery. Nevertheless, it provides more protein than "hindmilk" and sugar (lactose) and other nutrients. "Hindmilk" has more fats than foremilk and is therefore rich and creamy. "Hindmilk" provides the bulk of energy your baby needs.

Why Breastfeeding?

Why Breastfeeding? Here, I'm going to share the knowledge I gain from the Breastfeeding Department of the hospital where I gave birth to my baby boy last year.

Ever wonder to feed your baby with breast-milk or formula milk? As a parent, I suppose our main concern is to give our child the best nutrition. And guess what? The source of best infant nutrition for your baby is YOU!!!

The benefits of Human Milk are numerous. And the wonderful thing about it is that it benefits both you and your baby.

Benefits To The Infant:-
1) It provides the perfect food for your growing baby.
2) Breast milk reduces the incidence of coughs and colds, bronchitis, pneuminia, meningitis and diarrhoea.
3) It protects baby from colic and asthma, eczema, nose and food allergies.
4) Breast-milk is essential for the optimal physical, emotional and intellectual development of your child.

Benefits Of Breastfeeding To The Mother:-
1) Breastfeeding promotes mother and child bonding.
2) Breastfeeding prevents bleeding after delivery due to increased production of oxytocin which helps your womb to contract.
3) It is a natural form of Family Planning if you are breastfeeding exclusively.
4) Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
5) Breastfeeding helps your womb contract and regain your pre- pregnancy weight faster, as the extra fat stored in your body during pregnancy is converted to energy to help produce breast milk.