Facts on breast milk and breast-feeding

Facts on breast milk and breast-feeding

Breast milk is not only the best food for baby but should be the
only food in the first six months of its life.

"Breast-feeding can go on for two years or as long as both
parties still want to do it," said pediatrician Utami Roesli from
the Indonesian Lactation Center.

She was concerned, however, at the high consumption of solid
food by babies in the regions.

The advantage of exclusive breast-feeding is unquestionable,
for breast milk is nutritious at optimal quality and quantity --
improving intelligence, health, immunity and bonding between
mothers and babies.

The golden liquid, colostrum, produced in breast milk up to
four days after birth, contains millions of antibodies.

Ninety percent of the elements for brain development contained
in breast milk will be absorbed, while cow's milk contains only
20 percent.

Research also shows that illnesses like infections of the
respiratory and digestive systems, meningitis and allergies are
much higher with formula milk consumption.

Breast milk consumption can also prevent coronary artery
disease and ischaemic heart disease at a young age.

However, many mothers are reluctant to breast-feed for fear of
putting on weight or ruining the shape of their breasts.

Top singer/actress Krisdayanti admitted she did not breast-
feed her newborn babies because she would have had to go on a
strict diet to lose weight before returning to work.

"A survey from the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI)
revealed that mothers don't want to breast-feed because they're
afraid their husbands will leave them, because of the change in
their body shape," Utami said.

On the contrary, she added, breast-feeding will not cause
weight gain. In fact, the sex organs return to normal faster.

"It's pregnancy, not breast-feeding, that changes the shape of
the breasts. Don't bother to have kids if you don't want your
body's shape to change." -- Hera Diani