Full of fat, but for infants breast is still the best

There’s certainly no argument. Breast-fed is best fed. Breastfeeding is the most natural and generally the most convenient method for feeding infants. In all but a few cases, breastfeeding is undoubtedly the best.

Breastmilk is produced specifically to meet the needs of the developing infant. It contains all the fatty acids, amino acids, lactose, major minerals, trace elements and water required for growth in at least the first six months of life.
It also contains a range of chemicals and so-called immunological substances that help protect the infant against infection and disease. Remarkably, about three quarters of the cells in breast milk have the ability to kill bacteria, viruses and other potentially lifethreatening organisms.

At a time when there is so much publicity about the problems of being overweight and obese – and the need generally for older children and adults to reduce their overall intake of fat – it is important to recognise the critical role fat plays in infant nutrition.

Breastmilk is ideally suited to fill this need.

The most recent national nutrition survey showed that, on discharge from hospital, more than 80% of newborn infants were exclusively breast-fed; however, by three months of age fewer than 60% of infants remained fully breast-fed.
There are often good reasons why exclusive breastfeeding cannot be maintained, but insufficient milk production is rare and we should realise that giving supplementary feeds of infant formula can lead to difficulties in long-term breastfeeding.

Despite the obvious and well documented benefits, there are some instances when breastfeeding is not appropriate. These instances include situations where the mother or child has particular infections or other medical conditions, or when the mother has the need to take medication which would be harmful to the infant if passed into breastmilk.
The effect of foods, medicines and common illnesses can be a concern for breastfeeding mums, so it is good to know that most nutrients and chemicals are excreted in breastmilk without major adverse effect. However, consumption of large quantities of alcohol may cause the infant to become drowsy and large quantities of caffeine (in tea, coffee or cola drinks) can cause the infant to become irritable and sleep poorly.

Some medicines are potentially toxic to the infant, and should not be taken at all while breastfeeding; however, most medicines do not fall into this category. Your pharmacist can tell you which medicines to avoid. When a medicine is essential it should be taken during or immediately after breastfeeding to minimise the amount of medicine accumulating in the milk.

It is also comforting to know that colds and flu can not be transmitted through breast milk; but do not cough over the baby when you are breastfeeding.

When, during the first 12 months of life, breastmilk can not be given, a commercial infant formula is recommended as the main source of nutrition – definitely not cow’s milk. Untreated cow’s milk protein is difficult to digest and the infant’s kidneys will find it difficult to cope with the high protein and salt content. Furthermore, reduced-fat milk is only suitable for children after the age of two; and skim milk after the age of five.

Infant formula products are the next best alternative to breastmilk. There are a variety of formulas available in Australia. Most are based on cow’s milk, with a predominance of whey protein similar to breastmilk. These whey-based formulas are generally easier to digest and more suitable for younger infants.

There are also soy-based formulas, low-lactose formulas, follow-on and toddler formulas for older children and special infant formulas, for example, to help prevent reflux or where food allergies are likely.

Breastfeeding provides health benefits to the infant, no preparation is required, it is readily portable and it is less expensive than the formulas. But if you decide not to breastfeed your child – for whatever reason – ask your Pharmacist to help you choose the most appropriate formula for you and your baby.