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- Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Author: neonatologist (head) of the pediatric department for newborns Tkach N.N.
Most parents are aware of the many beneficial effects of breastfeeding their newborn babies. However, you may not know that breast milk is called "living tissue" because it contains developmental and additional protective factors that help with many of the problems that premature babies may have. Indeed, many researchers believe that breast milk is extremely beneficial for premature babies, even if the baby receives it in small quantities. Mothers who give birth prematurely produce milk that is somewhat different from the milk of women who carry their pregnancy to term. This “premature milk” has particular protective potential for premature babies. Such mother's milk contains special substances called enzymes, which contribute to the development of the baby's immature stomach and intestines. In addition, these enzymes break down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates in milk and reduce the likelihood that the baby will develop food intolerances that would require stopping feeding temporarily.
Another important benefit of breast milk is that it provides protection against infections. Premature babies have limited own abilities to fight bacteria and viruses, since the child receives protective substances from the mother at the end of pregnancy. If born prematurely, the child will not receive protective immunoglobulins, and he will be able to synthesize these substances on his own only after a few months. In this case, the only source of protection during the first months of life will be breast milk. Breast milk contains many specialized protective factors, including antibodies, that help protect premature babies from infection.
Some substances contained in breast milk form a protective layer on the surface of the intestines and prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the bloodstream. Other compounds directly destroy microorganisms or inhibit their growth. Some nutrients found in milk can do both of these things at the same time.
These substances can continue to protect against infection even when the baby no longer receives mother's breast milk.
Mother's milk contains anti-inflammatory substances that help protect the baby's delicate intestinal tissues from swelling and irritation. This leads to a decrease in the likelihood of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. These compounds are believed to help protect the baby from developing necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious bowel disease.
And, of course, mother's milk is a source of nutrients for premature babies. Of particular importance is the type of fat contained in breast milk. In the last weeks of full-term pregnancy, special types of fats pass through the placenta from the mother to the fetus. If a baby is born prematurely, he does not receive these fats that penetrate the placenta. However, in mother's milk after premature birth they are present in higher concentrations in order to provide the child with a higher level of metabolism and energy consumption to adapt to an unexpected and unusual external environment for him. Research shows that substances found in the fats in a woman's breast milk play an important role in the development of vision and the brain of premature babies.
Neonatologist
N.N. Weaver