Health Sciences 1001A/B Lecture : Breastfeeding.docx

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

Document Summary

Human milk is species specific; mother makes milk that is perfectly suited to her baby s requirements for growth and development. Breast milk is the ultimate super food and the only single food for humans that can independently sustain life for the first 6 months after birth. Human mothers milk is low in protein and high in lactose. Guidelines a mother breastfeeds their child for 6 months exclusively (no water or anything) 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. Mothers sometimes are under the misconception that they shouldn t breastfeed when they re sick but it s the opposite. 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 (thick yellowy substance liquid gold) to mature milk.