Benefits of Breastfeeding

The new generation mothers should always be encouraged to breast feed their babies since the breastfeeding benefits the babies in many ways. Just after the birth, the baby's immune system is naive and for first few months of life the baby is dependent on the prophylaxis provided by the homologous maternal antibodies acquired through placental circulation. It is worth to mention here that there are 5 types of immunoglobulins in our blood but only the immunoglobulin-G (IgG) can pass through the placenta and reach the circulation of the baby in the womb. While the lymphoid system of the baby is developing in the first few months, it could get additional protection from the colostrum and the breast milk if adequately fed on the breast milk. The colostrum is the yellowish fluid discharged form the breasts during the first 2-3 days after the delivery and is very rich in immunoglobulin-A (IgA) content. The IgA present in the colostrum and other secretions is always in the dimer form stabilized by a secretory component and is inert to proteolytic action of digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine. The IgA rich colostrum sucked in by the baby protects its oral and gastric mucosa from infectious agents and the amount of IgA reaching the small intestine is absorbed and transferred to the blood circulation. The IgA is synthesized locally in the breasts by plasma cells and dimerized together with a cystine rich polypeptide called J-chain. The breast milk is a very rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, minerals and hormones essential for the growth and development of the baby. No other food supplement or cattle milk could replace the human breast milk. Various studies have established that breastfeeding protects babies from respiratory problems in early life and may leave babies with stronger lungs well into the later life. The sheer physical effort involved in the suction of breast milk by the baby could be rewarding in many ways for acquiring stronger lungs, bones, immunity and health.