Canossa Hospital (Caritas)
Wellness Letter

Breast Milk – The Ideal Food for Babies

Breast milk contains everything a healthy baby requires to develop and thrive.

Benefit

Biofactors

Nutritional Value

Healthy Eye Development

Vitamin A

Crucial in the development of visual function

AA, DHA

Needed in early life for visual development

Lutein

Helps filter high-energy blue light

Gastrointestinal Health

a-lactalbumin

Easy to digest and absorb

Nucleotides

Helps promote gastrointestinal development

Brain Development

AA, DHA

Serve as “building blocks” for the brain; needed in early life for mental development

Iodine

Critical to brain development

Iron, Zinc

Important for babies’ mental functioning

Optimized Immunity

Antibodies

Protects against infections

Carotenoids

Associated with enhanced immunity and antioxidant properties

Selenium

Helps develop a healthy immune systems and has antioxidant effects

Zinc

Helps support immune function

Nucleotides

May improve immune function

Bone Development

Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium

Helps promote bone growth

Vitamin D

Important for calcium and phosphate metabolism

The unique and balanced combination of biofactors make breast milk the ideal and complete nutrition for babies during the first six months of life.

What are the Benefits of Breast Milk for Babies?
Nursing your baby offers the best possible start in life for him/her.  Breastfeeding not only helps baby’s healthy psychological growth, but also promotes total health development.

  • Digestive system: Breast milk is easily digested and has been associated with less chance of developing gastrointestinal problems
  • Immunity: Breast milk optimizes immunity and protects your baby against infections and serious diseases
  • Mental development: Breast milk supports brain development and has been related to possible enhancement of cognitive development
  • Healthy eye development: Breast milk contains substances that promote optimal eye development
  • Bone development : Breast milk supports bone growth

What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers?
Breastfeeding is a delightful and satisfying experience.  Not only does breastfeeding provide a way to express your love and boost mother-baby bonding, but also confers many benefits for the mother.

Studies have found that:

  • Breastfeeding increases levels of a hormone, resulting in less postpartum bleeding and faster return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant state.
  • Lactational amenorrhea causes less menstrual blood loss over the months after delivery
  • Breastfeeding mothers tend to have an earlier return to their pre-pregnant weight
  • Breastfeeding helps improve post-partum bone mineral density and reduces hip fractures in the postmenopausal period
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancers

 

                                                                           VI/el/No.61(Aug-2010)