Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Practices
Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing immunological protection and optimal growth.
1. Compositional High-Yields
| Component | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Colostrum | Produced in the first 3-5 days; rich in IgA, lactoferrin, and leukocytes. |
| Main Protein | Whey protein (ratio of Whey: Casein is 60:40). |
| Energy Density | 67 kcal/100 ml (approximately 0.67 kcal/ml). |
2. Best Practices
- Exclusive Breastfeeding: Recommended for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond.
- Early Initiation: Within 1 hour of birth to facilitate skin-to-skin contact and hormone release.
- Lactation Failure: Often due to poor positioning and attachment; always assess “BFATCH” criteria (Body alignment, Face to breast, Areola coverage, Tongue down, Chin touching, Head free).
NEET PG Hint: Remember that human milk is deficient in Vitamin D and Vitamin K. Always mention the lack of iron-binding capacity in cow milk versus the high bioavailability of iron in breast milk. The “Rooming-in” policy is a key component of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).