Question

a. What are your thoughts on exclusive breastfeeding?

b. Explain the nutritional, immunologic, psychologic, and economic benefits of breastfeeding

c. Discuss any observed or personal experiences of nutrient needs and cravings of a pregnant woman

d. List the appropriate foods for infants during the first year of life

Answer 1

Answer (a) Breastfeeding is essential nutrients for newborn baby because all nutrition required fullfill by only breastfeeding for first six months of newborn.

• breastfeeding should be initiated within 30 minutes of a normal vaginal delivery and within 4 hour of delivery by cesarean section.
• WHO recommanded 'exclusive breast feeding' for the first six months of life, that is during first 6 months, only breast milk is given and nothing else(even water).

Breast milk secretion

• average 450 to 600 ml per day
• maximum milk secretion at 5th/ 6th months of lactation.

Answer (b)

Human breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infant with following benefit

1. superior nutrition

1.1 Carbohydrate:- lactose is a high concentration in the breast milk which help in the absorption of calcium and enhance the growth of lactobacilli in the intestine

1.2 Proteins:- the protein content of breastmilk is low which cause lower solute load on the kidney. Breast milk contain the ideal ratio of amino acid cystine, taurine and methionine to support development of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

1.3 Fat :- breast milk is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, necessary for the myelination of the nervous system and brain growth.

1.4 minerals :-breast milk also prevent deficiency of vitamin A, C, D and zinc.

breast milk has a low mineral and sodium content -> low osmolarity present a low solute load to the kidney.

2. lower risk infection:- breast milk protect the baby from infections and diarrhoea.

3.protection from allergy:- low protein content of the breast milk along with a higher concentration of secretory Ig A decrease the absorption of protein macro molecules -> less chances of allergy and asthma.

4. emotional bonding :- breastfeeding promotes close physical and emotional bonds between the mother and the baby.

5.other:- breast milk content docosahexaenoic acid required for the growth of nervous system.

Breastfeeding protects against evening colic.