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