Preface
"Breast milk is the best food for babies", this sentence is undoubtedly the consensus of every mother. For example, after the baby reaches 6 months of age, some people say that the nutrition of breast milk has decreased, and the value of breastfeeding has gradually declined. So, is this a scientifically credible claim? Next, we will dissect this question from a scientific perspective.
How the nutrient content of breast milk changes
1. Colostrum stage: In the first few days of the baby's birth, the mother secretes colostrum. Colostrum is very high in protein, fat, minerals and immune factors, which are essential for your baby's development.
2. Transition period: After the colostrum period, the milk will gradually transition to the mature milk. During this process, there will be some changes in the composition of the milk. For example, the protein content decreases gradually, while the carbohydrate and fat content increases gradually. Such changes are made to accommodate the needs of your baby's continued growth and development.
3. Maturity period: When the baby is full moon, the mother's milk will enter the maturity period. At this stage, the composition of the milk is relatively stable, but different feeding times, the number of feedings and the needs of the baby can all have an impact on the nutrient content of the milk.
Breast milk is still rich in nutrients after 6 months
According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding should be extended until the infant is 2 years of age. This means that the mother can continue breastfeeding after the baby reaches 6 months of age, while introducing complementary foods.
1. Fat and energy: According to research, breast milk is still rich in fat and energy after 6 months. This is because the mother's fluid and nutrient needs change as the baby grows, and the composition of the breast milk adjusts accordingly.
2. Antibodies and immune factors: Antibodies and immune factors in breast milk are important protective barriers for babies to resist diseases. Studies have found that immune factors in breast milk are still present and effective even after the baby is 6 months old.
3. Trace elements: trace elements in breast milk, such as iron, zinc, potassium, etc., are essential for the growth and development of the baby. After the baby reaches 6 months, the trace elements in breast milk can still meet the baby's needs.
The value of breastfeeding is more than just nutrition
In addition to providing a rich nutrient profile, breastfeeding has many other important benefits.
1. Baby's intestinal health: Breast milk is rich in probiotics and short-chain fatty acids, which is very beneficial to the baby's intestinal health. This helps prevent intestinal diseases and boosts immunity.
2. Emotional connection between mother and baby: Breastfeeding can not only meet the physiological needs of the baby, but also strengthen the emotional connection between the mother and the baby. This also has a positive impact on your baby's mental health and social development.
epilogue
Breast milk is the best food for your baby, and its nutritional value and benefits are well known. After 6 months, breast milk does not lose its nutritional value over time, on the contrary, it still provides the nutrients and antibodies that your baby needs. In addition to the nutritional aspect, there are many other benefits of breastfeeding. Therefore, we should abandon outdated or misconceptions and continue to support and promote breastfeeding to lay a good foundation for the healthy growth of our babies.
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