Breast milk is considered the best natural food for a newborn. It contains many nutrients that are required for the baby during the first months of life. In the second half of the first year, it satisfies the needs of the baby by more than half, and in the second year of life - by one third. Over time, the calorie content of breast milk also decreases (100 ml - kcal 53–80).
It protects the newborn from chronic and infectious diseases, and promotes cognitive and sensory development. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the mortality of newborns as a result of the spread of childhood diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea, and also contributes to its speedy recovery from diseases. Breastfeeding is good for the well-being and health of the mother and, in addition, reduces the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer.
Composition
An interesting property is breast milk. Calorie content and its composition varies depending on the needs of the growing baby. Its main components are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Let's consider them in more detail:
- Squirrels. In breast milk contains 1.03 g of protein per 100 ml. It seems to be a little, but this is quite enough for the optimal development of the child. Such an amount of protein reduces the risk of developing hypertension, obesity and atherosclerosis in subsequent years of life, protective properties are manifested during puberty. Protein is necessary for the formation of tissues and cells, the synthesis of enzymes, as well as hormones. It plays a significant role in the development of healthy intestinal microflora and has immunomodulatory properties. In addition, milk contains non-food proteins, for example, lactoferrin, lysozyme, nucleotides, immunoglobulins. They help protect the body from bacteria, viruses and, accordingly, from intestinal, respiratory and other diseases. And also be aware that a certain part of the biologically active molecules that are found in breast milk of the mother are species-specific. This means that they are only useful for your child.
- Fats. The fat content is in the range of 4.0-4.3 grams. In breast milk, a large number of polyunsaturated fatty acids, they are required for the development of the senses, nervous system, as well as the intellectual development of the baby. In addition, fatty acids enhance protection against infections.
- Carbohydrates. They are usually composed of lactose (milk sugar) and oligosaccharides. The carbohydrate content in milk is 6.89 g per 100 ml. Lactose is necessary for the body of a newborn. Firstly, it is the basis for galakotserebrozidov, which, in turn, are components of the cell walls of body tissues. Secondly, lactose, together with other oligosaccharides, contributes to the favorable reproduction of healthy microflora in the intestine, which positively affects digestion processes, the assimilation of the required vitamins, micro and macro elements, and also helps in protecting against various infections. Mother's milk contains a high content of milk sugar; in other types of milk, its amount is much lower.
- Vitamins and minerals. Despite the fact that there are a large number of them in breast milk, they are quickly absorbed by the baby. For example, up to 70% of iron is absorbed, thanks to this, children are less likely to suffer from anemia. And also in the composition there is potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc.
What affects the calorie content of breast milk?
Many mothers who breastfeed their baby believe that the fatter the milk, the better. However, this is not always true. Sometimes, milk may cause dysbiosis in a child. Thus, if a newborn is cheerful and agile, it is rapidly gaining weight, then everything is in order with milk.
And if the newborn does not arrive well in weight or very often asks for food, then the quality of milk is worth considering. What determines the calorie content of breast milk? Young mummies are interested in this issue. There is an opinion that if you eat a lot, then the milk will become fatter. This is not entirely true, the fact is that not all food, but especially fatty foods, leads to a change in the composition of milk. To increase its nutritional value and fat content, mother should not overeat. And yet she should pay attention to the diet and the process of lactation.
What happens?
The calorie content of breast milk is variable. Primary milk step by step turns into mature, color, composition and fat content also changes. In the first hours after birth, the baby receives colostrum, it is very high in calories. After two to three days, the newborn eats non-fat transparent transitional milk. The benefit lies in the fact that it contains rare nutritional and protective elements that are so necessary for a baby who has just been born. Despite the low fat content of milk, additional fats are not required, since the baby’s body is not yet accustomed to new living conditions, and excess fat will only provoke colic and other unpleasant indigestion. The protein content in colostrum is 11–15%, which is three times more than in mature milk of a woman who is breastfeeding.
Even in small portions, all the necessary elements are present. The colostrum contains a small amount of water, which, in turn, reduces pressure on still fragile kidneys. After about five to six days, a change in composition occurs in breast milk. The content of carbohydrates and fats increases, and the amount of proteins decreases. Such a change favorably affects the health of the baby, and he also receives all the necessary substances. Moving to the next stage, breast milk becomes lighter, as it increases the water content. The calorie content of breast milk is about seven hundred calories per liter. This is enough for the correct development of the baby. With an increase in fat, problems such as constipation or colic can occur. It must be remembered that the quality of mother’s milk does not depend on percentages, but on the constituent components, so the more useful elements present in it, the better for the baby.
When is it necessary to increase the fat content of milk?
Before you increase the fat content of breast milk, make sure that this is really necessary. To do this, you need to analyze breast milk for calorie content or fat content. You will need to purchase a regular test tube, which can be bought at any pharmacy. 15-20 minutes after feeding the baby, it is necessary to pump the milk into a test tube. The liquid should fill the vessel by 10 cm. Next, at room temperature, leave the tube for six hours. During this time, milk will be divided into several parts, the top one is the fattest, and it will be necessary to measure it using a ruler. Centimeters are equal to percent. But do not forget that such estimates are approximate. The average fat content of breast milk is 4–4.5%.
Diet for women who are breastfeeding
Numerous studies have shown that the fat content of products does not affect the composition of breast milk. If the child is sick a lot and grows slowly, then most likely he lacks vitamins. In order for milk to be of high quality, in sufficient quantities, simple rules must be followed. In addition to proper nutrition, it is necessary to massage the breast and often feed the baby, all this will improve lactation.
Thus, a woman who is breastfeeding should monitor the correctness of her diet in order to maintain a certain level of calorie content of breast milk. A few simple rules for nutritious and healthy milk:
- It is recommended to eat before each feeding, but in no case overeat.
- The menu of a lactating woman should consist of carbohydrates. First of all, these are fruits and vegetables, as well as cereals. About twenty percent are proteins, such as veal, fish, and beef. And fats are a maximum of thirty percent.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended, especially after feeding. It is advisable to drink green, white tea or plain boiled water. After a month, you can add natural juices to your diet (apple juices are best). Black tea can only be drunk when the baby is three months old.
- It is recommended to avoid stress, sleep at least seven hours a day and rest more.
- To improve lactation, massage the breast with circular motions every day.
Increased milk fat
Many people wonder how to increase the calorie content of breast milk? To do this, you need to add products such as:
- tea with milk;
- butter;
- cottage cheese;
- liver;
- hard cheese with high fat content;
- nuts
- sunflower seeds.
It should be remembered that if the child has an allergy, then you can not use these products. If a nursing mother decided to introduce new products into her diet, it is recommended that you first try a small portion before dinner. Then it should be for two days to monitor the condition of the baby. If everything is in order and there is no negative reaction, then you can eat new products in small portions. How to increase the calorie content of breast milk using the products listed above? Doctors advise you to enter them in the diet no earlier than three months after the birth of the baby. Before each new product, you need to withstand a three-day pause to accurately determine the reaction of the child. It is important to remember dosages. After all, literally a handful of walnuts is enough to increase the fat content and calorie content of milk.
Advantages of human milk
The important advantages of breast milk include:
- sterility;
- balanced amount of nutrients;
- the content in milk of a large number of biologically protective substances;
- optimal temperature;
- good digestibility of nutrients in the baby's body with low energy costs;
- beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora.
Milk produced at the beginning of feeding is called front milk. It has a bluish tint, is produced in a sufficiently large amount and gives the newborn all the necessary nutrients. The milk that is produced at the end of feeding is called back milk. The calorie content of breast milk anterior and posterior is different. So, the back contains three to four times more fat and calories than the front.
Interesting facts about breast milk
Here are some of them:
- In breast milk (the caloric value of which has been indicated above) contains immune cells that provide protection against a large number of different infections.
- Hormones and growth factors are present in milk. They affect the metabolism. As a result, at an older age, the child is less prone to metabolic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity and hypertension, as well as cancer and many others.
- The calorie content of breast milk per 100 grams is 70 kcal.
- Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are easily absorbed by the newborn, since the mother’s milk contains special digestive enzymes, with the help of which the baby’s intestines easily break down the nutrients.
- In breast milk, there are several dozen different bifidobacteria that are needed for the formation of immunity and the fight against inflammation and infections.
- 87% of breast milk is water. It is active and quickly absorbed, so the newborn does not need to be specially drunk.
Mother's milk is a unique nutritious substrate that helps the baby to develop and grow harmoniously. It forms intelligence, develops immunity and sets the level of health for the rest of your life.
How to increase the calorie content of breast milk?
First of all, you need to pay attention to the diet. Moms who breastfeed should have a special menu. You can not go on a diet, nutrition should be complete and varied, contain vitamins, trace elements that are required to maintain the health of mother and baby. As a result of the interaction of the organs of the circulatory system and lymph, breast milk is formed. The diet of a woman who is breastfeeding must be 20% protein, 30% fat and 50% vegetable, fruit and cereal. One of the most important trace elements is calcium. It is present in milk, cottage cheese, fish, cabbage. Its insufficiency will affect the woman’s nails and hair, as the child will pick up how much he needs. Eating by the mother should be compared with the needs of the newborn, if he eats seven to eight times a day, then, respectively, the mother should eat the same, but in small portions.
At first it will be difficult enough to rebuild, but gradually it will become a habit. Soups and cereals are required in the diet of a nursing mother. Caution should be taken with rice, as it can cause constipation in the baby. It is best to cook porridge with milk. For soups, lean meat, such as turkey, chicken or beef, is recommended. Fresh herbs contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals that are required for health.
How to increase the calorie content of breast milk? Products such as broccoli and walnuts increase the fat content of milk, but they should be consumed in small portions so as not to cause an allergy in the child. And also from them you can make a milk drink. In 200 ml of boiling milk, add two tablespoons of nuts, then let it brew for about half an hour. It is advisable to drink the drink every day for 1/3 cup three times a day.
Nutrition plays a major role in the feeding process. Nevertheless, just a balanced diet is not enough, you need a good rest and daily walks in the fresh air. In addition, stress and increased physical activity must be eliminated. A great role is played by an excellent mood and positive emotions, since the well-being of the mother is reflected in the baby.
Breastfeeding
On the first day after the birth of the baby, a little colostrum is produced, but this is enough, since the calorie content of breast milk is high. The composition of the front milk contains significantly more protective substances than in mature milk, since at first the baby needs maximum protection. When groaning or screaming a newborn, you need to offer him milk. Such feeding is called "on demand." After about three months, breastfeeding goes into regimen. On average, a child wants to eat every three hours, with time the interval increases to four hours. The first six months, the baby is enough breast milk - no other food is required. Further, the needs of the growing organism increase, and it is difficult to satisfy them with one milk, therefore, the baby begins to be given other foods. The calorie content of breast milk at 9 months is still high, and then it begins to gradually decline.
The inconsistency between the baby’s needs for energy and the capabilities of breast milk is supplemented by complementary foods.
Lure
When a child outgrows a semi-annual milestone, his food needs gradually begin to change. This time is marked by the introduction of the first feeding and begins at about six to eight months, but, of course, this period is conditional, since each child is individual. The calorie content of breast milk and complementary foods should cover the baby's need for energy. Nutrient is introduced gradually, no more than three or four new products per month. Its purpose is to introduce the child’s gastrointestinal tract to the food that he will eat in the future. The main food remains breast milk.
Mixes
In life, there are circumstances when breastfeeding is impossible partially or completely. In this case, the newborn has to be fed or fed with various mixtures. The average calorie content of breast milk and the mixture is approximately the same, and per 100 ml is 67–68 kcal. All breast milk substitutes can be divided into partially or fully adapted.
If the composition is as similar as possible to breast milk, then it is called adapted, and if it only mimics the composition of a natural product, it is partially adapted. However, it must be remembered that breast milk is unique, and the components that are present in it are almost impossible to enter into the composition of the mixtures. For newborns, adapted formulations are better than partially adapted formulations.
Conclusion
Mother's breast milk is a special nutrition that nature has created. All substances easily digestible and beneficial for the body of the newborn are in it, so it is recommended to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible. Natural-fed babies are less susceptible to respiratory and infectious diseases.The composition of breast milk is unique and constantly changing depending on the needs of the baby, and its benefits are invaluable. A decrease in the caloric content of breast milk after a year is due to the fact that the child receives more adult food, i.e., complementary foods slowly displace breastfeeding.