Breast milk: why is it so useful?

It's not a secret that breast milk is the best food for a newborn baby. After all, it contains all the necessary components for the growth and development of the organism, and in an easily digestible form.

When does breast milk appear?

As a rule, breast milk appears on the third or fourth day after the birth of the baby. Nevertheless, its composition changes during the following weeks.

In the last days of pregnancy, and also in the first few days after childbirth, the so-called colostrum is secreted from the mammary glands - it is a thick, transparent liquid with a slightly yellowish tinge. This product has a number of significant differences. First of all, it should be noted that the colostrum is very nutritious and contains a huge amount of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K), valuable proteins, and also ascorbic acid. In addition, it contains immunoglobulins and protective proteins that provide protection for the baby's body and stimulate the normal development of its immunity.

Approximately on days 4 - 5 transitional milk appears, which is rich in fat. Only by the end of 2 - 3 weeks the process of transformation is over. The mother's glands begin to produce ripe breast milk. It contains all the necessary nutrients. By the way, the composition of the secretion of the mammary glands can vary within a day and even during one feeding. At first it is watery and liquid, but gradually it takes on a greasy and thick consistency.

Composition of breast milk

As already mentioned, milk is a balanced food. It saturates the baby with all the necessary substances. In addition, the baby can eat almost sterile milk at room temperature. And this is important. Breast milk forms the microflora of the infant's intestines, and also provides him with protection against infections and other diseases. So what is the product so valuable for the child?

• The composition of breast milk contains proteins, and this is mainly globulins and albumins. They are easily absorbed by the child's body without causing allergies and other side effects. Proteins are the main building molecules. From them antibodies, hormones and other necessary substances are subsequently synthesized.
• The main source of energy for a growing organism are Ir. Breast milk contains a large number of unsaturated fatty acids. They have a positive effect on the condition of the baby.
• The milk contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
• And, of course, there are carbohydrates, in particular - lactose, which normalizes the digestive tract and speeds up the reproduction of beneficial microflora bacteria.

But do not forget that the composition of breast milk, as well as its amount, largely depends on the proper nutrition of the mother.

How to get rid of breast milk?

Despite the whole benefit of this natural product, sometimes there are situations where it is simply necessary to stop breastfeeding. What to do? After all, if you do not express milk, stagnation of fluid is possible, and as a result, mastitis and inflammation. To date, there are special drugs that gradually reduce the amount of breast milk until it completely disappears without causing harm to the mother's body. Therefore, it is best to contact a gynecologist - he will appoint a suitable medicine.