Breast milk is the ideal natural food for newborns and infants, its nutritional characteristics allow the growth and development of the boy or girl and prevent different diseases, it also creates a close bond between mother and baby.
Precisely because it is a complete food, it varies at each stage of its production. The milk produced by a mother who has had a premature birth has different properties than those who have had a full-term birth, taking into account that these benefits are obtained through effective lactation, where adequate intakes are guaranteed by the baby.
Within the framework of the World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place every year from August 1 to 7, the Grupo Quirónsalud Clinic, through the Breastfeeding Program, provides information on the types of breast milk, as well as all the benefits of each of them.
What compounds does breast milk have?
- Constituents: It has proteins that allow proper absorption of milk. They are a fundamental part of the growth of boys and girls.
- Anti-infectives: strengthen the response to the most common infections that infants present.
- Induced factors: antigens present in the baby’s digestive tube and respiratory system, which inhibit the adherence of different types of bacteria.
types of breast milk
Precolostrum: It is breast milk accumulated in the mammary alveoli during the last trimester of pregnancy. It is made up of cells, antibodies, proteins, some electrolytes like chlorine and sodium, and enzymes like lactose.
Colostrum: occurs up to the third day after birth. It is low volume and high density.
“Precolostrum and colostrum are a vital source of immunity, since they contain a high percentage of antibodies. Colostrum has an adequate concentration of glucose and calories, thus preventing the baby from presenting alterations such as hypoglycemia, additionally, its low volume allows the baby to start its maturation process of sucking, swallowing and breathing naturally. It is adequate for the size of the stomach in the first days of life”, says the nutrition nurse and coordinator of the Breastfeeding Program of our Institution, Mónica Cáceres.
transitional milk: it occurs from the 4th to 15 days after birth, it presents an increase in volume around day 5 and gradually increases its volume, its composition varies until it reaches that of mature milk. It has a higher content of fat, lactose and water-soluble vitamins.
mature milk: It is the post-transition milk, it is adapted to the needs of the boy or girl. It contains proteins that are responsible for giving immunity to frequent infections in childhood, it also has taurine that is used to develop the retina, to absorb fats and is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain of the fetus and children, additionally the Mature breast milk contains proteins and carbohydrates that are vital for the generation of tissues, proper growth, development of the intestinal microbiota and favor neurological development.
World Breastfeeding Week
Within the framework of the celebration, our Institution has programmed a series of activities in which we seek the participation of mothers and their families, as well as personnel who work in lactation counseling.
First Day of Breastfeeding
Day: Wednesday August 3
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Place: Alex Cobo auditorium, Tower B – Carrera 38 A No. 5A 100
face-to-face
Registration:
First Academic Conference on Breastfeeding
Day: Friday, August 5
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Place: Armando González auditorium, 3rd floor, Main Office – Cra. 38 BIS No. 5B2 – 04
Aimed at neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, speech pathologists, nutritionists, related health people and organizations or people who work as lactation consultants.
face-to-face
Registration: