The role of breast milk in enhancing nutritional and immunological properties

Subhashini

ANM, Department of Nursing, Kauvery Hospital, Salem

Introduction

Breast feeding is the natural and most effective method of feeding infants. Breast milk provides complete nutrition, essential antibodies, and promotes bonding between mother and child.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding

First 1 hour

Early initiation of breast feeding within 1 hour of birth

First 2 years

Introduction of nutritionally – adequate and safe complementary (solid) Food’s at 6 months’ together with continued breast feeding up 2 years of age or beyond.

Advantages of Breast Feeding

Breast Milk

  • Nutrients
  • Easily digestible
  • Boosts immunity reduces infection
  • Ready to serve
  • Protects against diarrhea, Pneumonia and ear infection

Breast feeding

  • Help bonding and development
  • Helps in adequate growth and development
  • Enhances brain and visual development
  • Prevents hypothermia
  • Baby has higher intelligence

Principles

Proper latch on

Tummy to Tummy position

Baby’s chin touching the breast

Baby’s noise free for breathing

On demand feeding

Unlatching breastfeeding

Breast feeding positions

  • Cradle position
  • Cross-cradle position
  • Football hold position
  • Laid back position
  • Side lying position

Cradle position

Classic breast feeding

Cross cradle position

Easiest for newborns

Football position

Great for twins or after a caesarean section

Laid – Back position

Chill out and relax

Side lying position

Comfortable for nighttime feeding but,

  • Risk of baby’s airway obstructions
  • Increase risk of ear infection
  • Possibility of latch problem
  • Risk of baby falling asleep without proper burping and aspirations
  • Milk flow issue
  • Maternal risk comfort
  • Suffocation

Correct attachments (Breastfeeding)

  • Baby well attached to the mother breast
  • Chin touching breast
  • Mouth wide open
  • Lower lips turned outward
  • More areola visible above than below the mouth

 

Burping position

Over the shoulder

  • Support the baby’s head and back with one hand

Sitting on the lap:

  • Support the baby Sit the bay on your lap facing away from you

Lying across the lap:

  • Support the baby’s head and jaw with one hand
  • Gently tap or rubbing their back with your other hand

Types of Human Breast milk

  • Colostrum
  • Transitional milk
  • Mature milk
  • Fore milk
  • Hind milk

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, rich in antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients vital for the newborn’s immune system and development.

Transitional milk

Transitional milk is a phase of breast milk production that occurs between colostrum and mature milk.

Mature milk

Mature breast milk, produced from about 10-15 days after delivery. Provides a complete nutritional supply for infants, with varying fat content as the baby feeds.

Fore milk

Fore milk the milk a baby receives at the beginning of a feeding, is crucial for hydration and providing quick energy.

 

Hind milk

Hind milk is the breast milk produced at the end of a feeding session and is important for a baby’s growth and development because it’s richer in fat and calories than foremilk.

Common Problems

  • Breast Engorgement
  • Sore or cracked nipples
  • Mastitis
  • Low milk supply
  • Poor latch
  • Blocked ducts

Role of Nurse

  • Educate mothers antenatally & postnatally
  • Support early initiation
  • Demonstrate correct positioning and attachment
  • Identify and manage breastfeeding problems
  • Encourage rooming in (Kangaroo method)
  • Encourage donating milk or if needed breast milk bank
  • For working mothers storing of breast milk for feeds.

Storage Duration

  • At room Temperature
  • Up to 4 hours (Best within 2 hours)
  • If room is very warm (above 30C) use it within 2 hours.
  • In Refrigerator (4C)
  • Up to 4 days
  • Store inside the fridge not on the door

In Freezer

In freezer compartment 2 weeks’ storage

Thawing (Stored breast milk)

  • Hold the container under warm running water
  • Do not microwave
  • Use within 24 hours do not refreeze

Warming breastmilk

  • Use a bowl of warm water
  • Swirl gently (don’t shake)

Handling precautions

  • Wash hands before expressing or handling milk
  • Keep container sterile
  • Never mix fresh warm milk directly with frozen milk

When to discard breast milk

  • Sour milk
  • Strange color changes
  • Expiry passed

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is the gold Standard for infant nutrition. It supports physical, emotional and cognitive development while promoting maternal health.

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