It is very important that naturally-fed babies have a greater resistance to infections and other illnesses due to the immunological substances contained in breast milk and colostrum (the mother's first "milk" after birth). Young (colostrum) is yellow in colour, is secreted during the first four days after birth and contains many times more protein than mature milk, but fewer carbohydrates and fat. Half of the protein contained in colostrum is immunoglobulins.

The lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein of the bacterial cell, contained in the milk prevents E. coli infections.

Breastfeeding is more convenient because it does not involve the preparation of food, it is available everywhere (in the car, on a camping trip...- feeding in public places is an increasingly accepted norm). The milk is always at the right temperature and there is no risk of spoilage or infection. If the mother is not with her baby all day, she can express the milk into a bottle.

Natural feeding forces the baby to exercise more which favours the development of the jaws, teeth and palate. The mortality rate of breastfed infants, especially in poor environments, is lower. Of great importance for the development of the child is the psychological effect of breastfeeding. It conditions a more normal emotional development of the infant, which has a bearing on all later psychological development.


photo: panthermedia

The choice of breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. It speeds up the contraction of the uterus and the excretion of faeces after birth. It inhibits menstruation and delays ovulation (ovulation), although this should not be relied on as a contraceptive (cases of subsequent pregnancy despite the fact that menstruation has not yet occurred are not uncommon). It helps to regain one's figure and enforces periods of rest-so important in the first postpartum period. It helps to meet emotional needs and strengthen emotional bonds. The economic aspect is not negligible nowadays - breastfeeding is economical.

Thecontraindications to breastfeeding either on the part of the baby or the mother are extremely limited. The first relates to the physical immaturity of the baby or can be due to a severe infection or other illness of the baby, in which case the baby can be breastfed. On the mother's side, temporary contraindications are breast inflammation during a period of intensive antibiotic treatment, acute infectious diseases and others. Permanent contraindications are maternal tuberculosis and other chronic infectious diseases.

Weaning should not occur earlier than 10-12 months of age. Abrupt weaning can cause a violent reaction in the baby - the baby usually stops eating at all for a short time and the mother develops breast overcrowding (milk fever).