Breastfeeding and Nutrition
Do you have questions about breastfeeding and nutrition? Choosing to breast or bottle feed your baby is a very personal decision. Both options can provide the nutrients necessary for your baby to grow and develop. The medical professionals at One Community Health can answer all of your questions and help you make sure that your child is getting the nutrition they need to grow up healthy and strong.
How Breastfeeding Benefits the Mother
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce uterine bleeding after birth. It also helps the uterus return to its original size pre pregnancy and will help lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding can also help to reduce the risk of certain diseases. Mothers who breastfeed their babies also have a lower risk of breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure
How Breastfeeding Benefits the Baby
Breast milk is a combination of vitamins, protein, and fat. It also contains antibodies that help fight illness. Babies who are fed breast milk have a lower chance of disease due to the antibodies and immune cells present in human milk.
According to the CDC, children who are breastfed have a lower risk of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe lower respiratory disease
- Ear infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting).
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants
Breastfeeding and Nutrition
The vitamins and minerals present in break milk directly correlate with the mother’s vitamin and mineral intake. Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can help give your child the essential nutrients they need. The iron, vitamin C, calcium, fat soluble vitamins, and zinc present in breast milk are all important for immune system health and physical growth.
Breast milk contains whey and casein proteins that aid digestion. Its fats support healthy growth and sufficient caloric intake. Lactose is present in all breast milk and reduces unhealthy bacteria, while its prebiotics help good bacteria flourish. It also contains nucleotides (the foundation of our DNA) which assist in physical growth and mental development.
Infant Nutrition in Sacramento
At One Community Health, we want to support all mothers in providing the nutrition that their babies need for optimum health. We also offer Well Child checkups to ensure that all babies remain healthy and safe while reaching their growth milestones. If you have any questions about bottle feeding, breastfeeding, and infant nutrition, contact us today.
