Why it is so important to breast feed?

Breast milk is considered to be a gift of God. It is also called liquid gold; because colostrum, the thick yellow breast milk that is formed initially during pregnancy is a must for the newborn. This milk is not only rich in nutrients and antibodies but is said to protect your baby from several diseases. The baby gets and can digest only a little amount of colostrum at each feed, but it is sufficient for his or her baby stomach to hold. The mother’s breast milk gradually becomes thinner and changes as the baby grows – Colostrum later changes into a mature sort of milk. As the baby becomes almost five days old, this modified breast milk contains just the right amount of fat along with water, sugar, and protein to assist your baby’s consistent growth. This breast milk though not as thick as colostrum, but it has all of the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs. Breast milk is amazingly of such consistency that the baby can digest easily. It is extremely helpful especially for premature babies — breast milk is always easier to digest than tinned or formula milk. The proteins present in formula milk are usually made from cow’s milk, thus it often takes time for the baby’s stomach to digest and may cause lactose allergy.