Infant and Young Child Nutrition

Advantages Of Breast Milk And Infant formulas
Breast Milk is easily digestible, being safe for the digestive system and comprises of antibodies that helps to ward off infection by invading the bacteria and virus. When drunk from breasts, it is sterile. Breast milk is available at the right temperature and is readily available. Infant nutrition paves way for further development. Breast-fed infants have a reduced probability of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Teeth growth and speech development is improvised by breastfeeding. It has a proper balance of nutrients and sleep apnea is also prevented by breast milk.

The ordeal of mixing and measuring artificial feeds is prevented. Physical contact improves the bonding between the mother and infant and provides a feeling of warmth. Improper sterilization of bottles causing infection is avoided. The extra weight gained during pregnancy is shed, as lactation uses up some amount of energy. The size of the uterus is regained and lessens bleeding, if any. The probability of ovarian and breast cancers are reduced.

Proper overall development takes place. Premature breast fed infants also fare well, when compared to those fed on artificial feed.