Health Sciences 1001A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Canadian Paediatric Society, World Health Organization, Infant Formula

• School: Western University
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: Health Sciences 1001A/B
• Professor: Shauna Burke

Document Summary

Breastfeeding: the basics: breast milk provides all of the fluid and nutrients for optimal growth and development. Protects the infant from bacteria and viruses that the mother comes in contact with: breast milk adapts to the age of the infant. Constantly changes to meet the infant"s nutritional needs: composition changes in the early postpartum period, from colostrum to mature milk. Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by who as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth. (who, 2015) Hormones involved in breastfeeding: estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin. Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding is important for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of infants and toddlers. Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.