BREASTFEEDING: A Basic Strategy for Health Promotion (Mini-Review)

Abstract

Breast milk, the quintessential infant nutrition is unique in its composition and temporal biochemical dynamism. Its production begins in early gestation and is potentiated at birth in response to physiologic demand. Early initiation of breastfeeding ensures the baby receives colostrum which transits gradually to mature milk in the first 2 weeks post-partum. The nutritive and anti-infective components synergistically work to ensure nurture and survival of the young infant.

Introduction

Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of child health and survival. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastmilk is the ideal food that provides all that is essential for the proper development of the young child. Globally only 44% of young infants are exclusively breastfed and this has changed little in the last two decades. Also, for 3 out of every 5 newborn infants, breastfeeding is not initiated as required within the first hour of life¹. It has been estimated that the risk of mortality would reduce by 50% if breastfeeding continues for 12-23 months of age². It is an established fact that breastmilk can provide all the energy and nutrients that infants need for the first six months of life. This informed the adoption of Weight and Development Nomograms of exclusively breastfed infants as the reference against which babies on alternative feeding methods are measured³. It must be reemphasized that human breast milk is specific to the human species⁴. It is both dynamic and complex. For instance the composition of breast milk changes during a feed, from one feed to another, within a single day and over time, in response to the growing infant’s need⁵. Also, it contains countless bio-active constituents including; immune-protective agents, various enzymes, hormones and several other essential nutrients coexisting in an intricate balance that protects against several diseases while also promoting optimal growth and development. Among documented long term benefits are lower mean blood pressure, low total cholesterol and higher performance in intelligence (6,7)