The first milk produced after birth is called colostrum. This is synthesized during the end of pregnancy and 3-5 days of postpartum. It is very high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates, and contains immunoglobulins.
This help the baby have a first bowel movement and prevent jaundice. It contains antibodies to protect the newborn against disease.
The breast milk is rich in nutrients and anti-bodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein. These nutrients are major pre-requisites to the health and survival of the baby. When a child is exclusively breast fed, their immune system is strengthened, enabling the child to withstand life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhoea amongst other infections.
Breast milk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; breastfeeding is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 220,000 children could be saved every year with exclusive breastfeeding.
Infants breast fed within the first hour of birth are three times more likely to survive than those who have their first breast milk after a day.
Exclusive breastfeeding should be given from birth up to 6 months and continued breastfeeding is recommended with appropriate complementary food until the child is weaned. The only exceptions are rehydration salts and syrups that contain medicine.
WHO recommends that infants start receiving complementary foods at six months (180 days) of age in addition to breast milk.
It becomes essential that we counsel, encourage and support mothers to initiate exclusive breastfeeding. Governments, family members especially husbands and community health workers all have a role to play in the survival of newborns through the uptake of exclusive breast feeding.
Keno Ekpokpobe
Public Health Researcher
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