Importance Of Breast Milk

Breast milk is the first nutrient to an infant. It is the newborn's privilege and the mother's pleasure to breast feed her baby. Termed as lactation, the secretion of milk from breasts is beneficial for both the mother and the child in a number of ways. Breastfeeding is prerequisite for the growth of the newborn. It should never be avoided, because it is considered the most divine way to show love to a newborn. Ayurvedic scholars have praised the importance of breast milk, due to the myriad health benefits associated with it. In Ayurveda, breast milk is termed as nectar, through which the infant recognizes his/her mother. Moreover, nursing helps create a strong emotional bond between a mother and her newborn. Read on to know the importance of breast milk in Ayurveda.

Significance Of Breast Milk

• According to Ayurveda, breastfeeding is the easiest and the healthiest way to feed a newborn, as the milk is rich in nutrients.
• Breast feeding reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby
• Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby's digestion.
• The amino acids - the building blocks of proteins - present in breast milk are well balanced for the baby. These proteins aid the proper functioning of the baby's intestinal tract.
• Breast milk is rich in lymphocytes and macrophages, which protect the newborn against intestinal inflammation.
• Breast milk is a rich source of iron, which can be easily absorbed by the infant better than any other source of the mineral.
• Breast milk promotes the overall health of the baby, which is one of the motives of Ayurveda.  
• Since mother's milk is available at the optimum temperature that is most suitable for the infant, it is free from all possible sources of contamination.
• The immunoglobulins (antibodies) present in the breast milk protect the baby from upper respiratory infections and gastro intestinal infections. This is the reason why breast fed babies stay healthier than their formula fed counterparts.
• Studies suggest that the amino acid trptophan present in breast milk helps the baby to acquire sound sleep during the night time.
• The hormone prolactin, responsible for the production of breast milk, functions as a natural tranquilizer for the mother and baby alike.
• Formula-fed children are likely to become obese, when they reach the stage of adolescence. On the other hand, those fed with breast milk are less likely to be obese at their teenage.
• Breast feeding plays a pivotal role in preventing various kinds of digestive diseases in the infant, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Childhood cancers are also prevented by breast feeding.

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