Originally published August 17 2005
Breast milk is best for newborns
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Doctors have found that breast milk is the best for babies, as it provides essential nutrients that they cannot get from commercially-bought formula. It is also better for moms, as it is healthier for their bodies.
What is the difference between human breast milk and cow's milk?
Human milk contains the "just right" proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins for an infant's optimal growth and development.
(Infant formulas range in their ratios from 18 to 82, to 100 percent whey.)
Human milk also contains a high concentration of amino acids that are especially necessary for premature infants, whereas cow's milk has amino acids which are poorly tolerated by some infants.
It also contains the lactose (milk sugar) that is necessary to enhance calcium and iron absorption.
Lactose also promotes the growth of lactobacilli (the good bacteria that help prevent abnormal or disease-causing bacteria from multiplying in the infant's gastrointestinal tract).
It has cells that help fight infection --- macrophages and lymphocytes --- as well as antibodies and immune factors.
Studies have shown that for infants at risk for developing allergies (the mother or other children are known to suffer from allergies), exclusive breast-feeding for six months may delay or possibly even prevent the onset of food allergies.
Mother's milk also gives mother's antibodies to the infant.
And while on the subject of guts, breast-feeding protects the babies intestinal tract from later damage and has been shown to decrease the risk for colitis and Crohn's disease.
Each week, 'Today' show contributor Dr. Judith Reichman addresses questions about women's health.
While she's breast-feeding, a nursing mother will usually not get her period for up to six or nine months.
If the baby sleeps more than four hours it should be woken to nurse.
There are some concerns about other medications that women are taking while breast-feeding, and their use should be discussed with the treating physician.
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