Breastmilk is uniquely suited to a human baby<\/a>.<\/span> Its nutritional composition and <\/span>the many special \u2018bioactive\u2019 factors it contains have allowed human populations to <\/span>survive and develop for many generations. <\/span><\/p>\n It is impossible to make a substitute for breastmilk as its composition is dynamic<\/a> \u2013 <\/span>that means it is a living substance, that changes in composition during feeds and<\/span> Breastmilk contains all the fluid, energy and nutrients your baby needs in the first <\/span>months of life, as well as many important factors you may have heard about that are <\/span>unique to human milk. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n The milk produced in the first few days after a baby is born is called <\/span>colostrum<\/a>. This is produced in small amounts but is packed with all the <\/span>important factors to prevent infection and to boost development in <\/span>the first few days of life. The main purpose of colostrum is to protect <\/span>the baby when he or she is most vulnerable. <\/span><\/p>\n From about three days to two weeks after the birth, mum\u2019s milk will <\/span>change again as the baby is growing rapidly, and the milk becomes the <\/span>mature breastmilk that will support your baby throughout the first year <\/span>of life and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n Breastfeeding is one of the most important things that a mother can do for her <\/span>baby\u2019s health and for her own health, and is the normal way to feed a baby.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Breastmilk costs a lot less than formula feeding<\/a>, it is environmentally sustainable and <\/span>is safely available, at the right temperature, whenever and wherever a baby is ready <\/span>for a feed. You never need to worry about running out because, as your baby feeds, <\/span>your body is busy making more milk. If someone invented a product that had all <\/span>the amazing health benefits of breastmilk, it would sell at a very high price \u2013 yet we <\/span>frequently waste what is a valuable and unique resource.<\/span><\/p>\n Breastmilk is the natural food for a baby and provides the baby with complete <\/span>nutrition. The composition of breastmilk alters to meet the changing needs <\/span>of babies, whether that be during the day or over a period of time. Breastmilk <\/span>has the unique capacity to respond to an infant\u2019s immediate environment, <\/span>providing active immunity from micro-organisms and pathogens, and this is <\/span>enhanced by mothers and babies keeping in close contact with one another <\/span>during breastfeeds. Breastfeeding supports mother-baby relationship building <\/span>and benefits the mental health of mothers and babies. <\/span><\/p>\n Breastfeeding has many advantages for babies: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Breastfeeding also benefits a mother\u2019s health.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of:<\/span><\/p>\n
as babies grow and develop. It is unique to each mum for her baby and for the <\/span>environment in which they live. There are many hundreds of bioactive molecules <\/span>in human milk that cannot be reproduced. Most of these protect babies from <\/span>infections and help them develop a strong immune system for the future. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
Did you know?<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Why does breastfeeding matter?<\/h3>\n
Good for baby<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Good for mum<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n