THE WHITE GOLD

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Gold is a mineral of immense value, often leading to environmental destruction in its pursuit. However, there's something even more valuable, and it's readily available to you. Unlike gold, it doesn't require destroying water bodies or land. This 'white gold' is breastmilk, an invaluable resource that you, as a mother, provide for your child. Why is there a need to draw attention to breast milk?  Because it's a treasure that's often overlooked.

Breast milk contains the right amounts of nutrients for the growth and development of babies. Its composition changes as the baby grows to meet its changing needs. The initial yellow breast milk(colostrum) that flows in the first 2 to 4 days is rich in minerals, antibodies, and protein. It changes into transitional milk from days 5 to 14, and from day 14 onwards, mature milk starts flowing. This mature milk, rich in carbohydrates and fats, helps the baby to gain weight.

Certain substances in breast milk, called enzymes, play a crucial role in the digestion of milk and the absorption of nutrients. These enzymes, such as lipase and amylase, break down the complex components of breast milk, making it easier for the baby's immature digestive system to process.

As the baby's brain develops, high amounts of fat are required. Fats and vitamin A are also needed for the development of the retina. Breastmilk can provide these nutrients in the quantities required. Studies have shown breastfed babies to have better vision and intelligence compared to infants who are not breastfed.

Have you ever marvelled at the resilience of breastfed infants? It's not a coincidence. Breastmilk is a protective shield, containing substances like antibodies, lysozymes, lactoferrin, and cytokines. These elements from the mother, help to protect the baby from diseases, while the baby is still developing its antibodies. It's like a security system containing growth factors that aid tissue growth and repair.



An exciting fact is that breastmilk has good bacteria (probiotics) that inhabit the infant's gut and prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria. The loss of these good microorganisms has been found to lead to abnormal immune responses, which can lead to allergic conditions such as asthma. The loss of good bacteria also contributes to the development of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the protein (lactoferrin) and fat (oligosaccharides) in breast milk serve as food for these good bacteria and help them to multiply. Talk about completeness! Breastmilk also protects against obesity and type 2 diabetes in later years.

Research has shown that the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond infancy. The risk of autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is significantly reduced in breastfed children. It’s been found that, the longer the breastfeeding period, the more pronounced the reduction in the risk of ADHD. This is a testament to the enduring benefits of breastfeeding, offering hope for a healthier future for your child.

Benefits to parents

Breastfeeding has benefits for the mother, too. Breastfeeding significantly reduces a mother's risk of developing ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancer. It also reduces the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. During the breastfeeding period, the changes in the hormones in the mother's body offer some protection against pregnancy. This is not absolute, though, and mothers must still take precautions. Studies have also shown short-term benefits such as a reduction in weight, blood pressure, stress responsivity, and an enhancement in positive moods. Breastmilk is also readily available. Mothers are saved from the stress of having to prepare and garnish it. As some medical students put it, breastmilk comes in attractive containers.


The fathers are also not left out. If the father is the breadwinner, he saves money that would have gone into buying formula milk. Additionally, payment of medical bills is reduced because the babies are healthier and less likely to fall sick. He also gets a wife who is mostly in a positive mood and a healthy baby.

According to WHO, human breast milk is the gold-standard feeding regimen for newborns. It should be the only food in the first six months of life as it contains enough water and nutrients for the baby's growth and development. Supplementary breastfeeding should continue until the baby is two years old. When you avoid other feeds in the first six months, you also avoid exposing the developing gut to harmful substances.

For the best breastfeeding experience for mother and baby, ensure the baby is correctly attached to the breast. The baby must also empty one breast before the other breast is offered so that he will get the foremilk, which contains a lot of water, and the hindmilk, which contains more fat and carbohydrates. Ensure that the baby burps after feeding to get rid of excess gas. Babies should also be breastfed as and when they need it.

Not all babies can take breastmilk, though. Babies with some conditions like galactosemia cannot take breast milk. Mothers who have HIV, active tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or are on anti-cancer medication or other chronic medications should consult their doctor or midwife. This is because drugs being taken by the mother may be secreted in the breast milk and thus may negatively affect the health of the baby.

The milk that the best nutrition experts can formulate for the infant will never come close to milk that occurs naturally in the breasts of a lactating mother. Breastmilk is gold! Make good use of it!

 

Dr(Med) Gloria Amponsah-kodua

Paediatrician specialist

 

Acknowledgment

Dr(Med) Akosua Omenaa Boateng.


photo credit

medicine.wustl.edu

www.jewelrynotes.com

www.nutraingredients.usa.com


References

 Ajmera V.H., Terrault N.A., VanWagner L.B., Sarkar M., Lewis C.E., Carr J.J., Gunderson E.P. Longer Lactation Duration Is Associated with Decreased Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women. J. Hepatol. 2019;70:126–132. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.09.013. 

Anstey E.H., Shoemaker M.L., Barrera C.M., O’Neil M.E., Verma A.B., Holman D.M. Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer Risk Reduction: Implications for Black Mothers. Am. J. Prev. Med. 2017;53:S40–S46. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.04.024. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

Soled D, Keim SA, Rapoport E, Rosen L, Adesman A. Breastfeeding Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Preschool Children. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 Jan 1;42(1):9-15. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000854. PMID: 33347037.

Babic A., Sasamoto N., Rosner B.A., Tworoger S.S., Jordan S.J., Risch H.A., Harris H.R., Rossing M.A., Doherty J.A., Fortner R.T., et al. Association Between Breastfeeding and Ovarian Cancer Risk. JAMA Oncol. 2020;6:e200421. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.0421. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

Ghozy S, Tran L, Naveed S, Quynh TTH, Helmy Zayan A, Waqas A, Sayed AKH, Karimzadeh S, Hirayama K, Huy NT. Association of breastfeeding status with risk of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review, dose-response analysis and meta-analysis. Asian J Psychiatr. 2020 Feb;48:101916. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.101916. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 31923810.

Lyons KE, Ryan CA, Dempsey EM, Ross RP, Stanton C. Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 9;12(4):1039. doi: 10.3390/nu12041039. PMID: 32283875; PMCID: PMC7231147.

Jozsa F, Thistle J. Anatomy, Colostrum. [Updated 2023 Feb 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513256/

Owen CG, Martin RM, Whincup PH, Smith GD, Cook DG. Does breastfeeding influence risk of type 2 diabetes in later life? A quantitative analysis of published evidence. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1043-54. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/84.5.1043. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Mar;95(3):779. PMID: 17093156.

 


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