Page 129 - 86 human physiology part-2

Chapter 17

The first milk produced after birth is called colostrum this is synthesized during the end of
pregnancy and 3-5 days of postpartum. This is very high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrate,
and it contains immunoglobulins. This help the baby have a first bowel movement and prevent
jaundice, and is different in color and is a different consistency. In some cultures they discard the
colostrum because of the difference, but what they do not know is that it is the best thing for the baby.

In breast milk the composition varies during feeding, over time and with development of the baby.
When breast feeding there is three names for the composition of the milk. There is the fore milk, it is
during the beginning of breast feeding, mid is the middled of feeding and hind which is the end of the
feeding of he baby, it is high in composition of fat.

When Breast feeding the female should consider the types of food that will be ate by her and the
kind of diet she is consuming. If a female is on a low fat diet or if the foods like garlic broccoli and
onions are eaten may affect the baby's preference for breast feeding. Also in the consumption of
alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and medications a breast feeding mom should be discouraged of breast
feeding.

Barriers of breast feeding are lack of professional and social support, misinformation,
embarrassment, early discharge form the hospital without instruction, and returning to work or school
without adequate lactation rooms and if the mother refuses to tend breastfed infant.

When breast feeding initiate as soon after delivery as possible, position the baby correctly, feed on
demand from both breast at each feeding and at least 10 minutes on each breast. Additionally there
should be a good educator in the case the infant is not latching on.

Common problems that may happen when breast feeding is mastitis this is an inflammation of one
or both breasts this usually is associated with the infection of a blocked milk duct during lactation, in
this the symptoms are flu-like, red, and hot streaks, antibiotics are necessary. Thrush may also happen
and passed to mom and baby this is the white flecks on tongue the baby and mom have to be treated by
a M.D..

Breast milk is recommended through the first 12 month. And supplementation of cow milk is not
recommended due to the high protein that would cause liver damage to the baby.

Why breast feed?

• It is easily digested
• composition changes with infant needs
• changes during a feeding, high in fat at the end of feeding
• Antibodies in milk
• Breast feeding moms miss less work because babies are sick less
• less allergies
• less spit-up
• less constipation and diarrhea
• better jaw development
• decreased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• Higher IQ
• Decreased risk of diabetes, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Sprue
• Bonding

344 | Human Physiology