Optimal Growth and Development With Exclusive Breast Milk

Exclusive Breast Milk, hereinafter referred to as Exclusive Breast Milk, is breast milk that is given to babies from birth until they are 6 (six) months old, without adding or replacing it with other food or drinks, including water, except for administering medicines and vitamins. Breast milk contains complete nutrients that children need to grow and develop optimally. Exclusive breastfeeding can also prevent children from suffering from diseases caused by formula milk, such as cow's milk allergies, lactose intolerance and diarrhea due to unhygienic preparation for giving formula milk.
The condition that stunting will occur in children can occur if exclusive breastfeeding is not optimal and complementary breastfeeding is provided inappropriately. Inaccurate in terms of initial administration (too early or too late), texture, amount or quantity, nutritional content, and variety.

The following are the benefits of breast milk for children, including :

1. Fulfillment of nutrition for optimal growth and development because breast milk contains complete nutrients according to the baby's needs, is easily absorbed and digested
2. Prevent infection because breast milk contains immunoglobulin A
3. Prevent allergies (cow's milk allergy) especially in babies born to parents who have a history of allergies (atopy)
4. There is bonding between mother and baby which is very good for the baby's development, self-confidence, child's obedience to their parents (mother), and so on

The nutritional content in breast milk is as follows:
- Anti-infection: secretory IgA
- Protein in the right amount and easy to digest contains more WHEY protein than CASEIN
- Carbohydrate: lactose
- Fat: contains sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids, namely AA and DHA, and the enzyme lipase to digest fat
- Iron: in smaller amounts than formula milk, but more easily absorbed
- Contains sufficient amounts of vitamins A, B and C
- Contains enough water

Breast milk has a big influence on a child's growth because the macronutrient content of breast milk (carbohydrates, protein and fat) is very easily absorbed compared to formula milk, so the weight gain in children who get exclusive breast milk is greater than children who get milk formula.

Breast milk also affects children's development, because the AA, DHA and iron content in breast milk are more easily absorbed than those in formula milk. These micronutrients are really needed for the development of nerve cells, myelination and nerve complexity so that children become intelligent and their development becomes optimal.

Then the bonding that occurs between mother and breastfed baby causes the child to become a confident and happy person so he dares to try new things. This also causes neural complexity to increase so that children will become intelligent.

If Hermina Friends have complaints and want to consult regarding lactation, let's immediately consult a Pediatrician at RSU Hermina Solo.