Via maternal milk, the baby does not only receive the nutritional substances necessary for a correct growth, but also substances which defend it against infections. With milk, the baby also satisfies its thirst needs thanks to the high percentage of water present in the milk, as well as its need to be reassured and its contact with the mother, above all, in the first months of life.
 The experiences of the child during breast-feeding are very important from the psychological point of view due to the relationship that the baby develops with its mother and then with the surrounding environment. The relationship of affection, in fact, is of prime importance in developing its personal identity and acquiring knowledge of the world. During breast-feeding, an intimate and profound communication between the mother and the baby is born: it grows with secret dialogue, shared looks and intense emotions.
Maternal Milk and the Immune System
Breast-feeding ensures the development of the immune system of the baby, which is still incomplete. By means of the maternal milk, in particular with the colostrum, the mother passes to the baby antibodies, white blood cells and other substances, such as lisozime and lactoferrin, which have important antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Maternal milk, moreover, contains other substances that “cement” intestinal cells, which makes them less permeable to toxic substances and infective agents.
In point of fact, numerous epidemiological studies have shown that babies who are breast-fed are less sensitive to different types of illnesses, for example, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting, otitis, infections of the lower breathing passages (bronchitis and bronchopneumonia), infections of the urinary passages and intolerance to gluten. They are less exposed to allergies, bronchial asthma and eczemas (including nappy rashes) than bottle-fed babies are.
As maternal milk is easy to digest, babies have fewer problems of flatulence and colic. Finally, recent studies have shown that breast-feeding has a protective effect regarding cot death syndrome, diabetes, lymphomas and numerous chronic intestinal illnesses.*
Maternal Milk and Intellectual Development
An American study has provided interesting conclusions as to why breast-fed babies show better intellectual development and higher visual skills. This is probably due to the presence of appropriate quantities of long-chain polyunsaturated acid fats, also known as omega-3, in maternal milk.
These substances are structural constituents of the membranes of brain cells and the retina and apparently help the transmission of nerve stimuli between the cells of the nervous system, and inside the cells themselves.
Highly Digestible Food
As the digestive ability of the baby is very low, maternal milk is the only food that is perfectly tolerated and highly digestible. The baby digests it immediately and assimilates it in approximately two hours, absorbing almost in their entirety proteins, sugars, fats and vitamins.
Breast-feeding also helps the intestinal function, reducing or preventing the emergence of constipation.
 Maternal milk is always ready and available at the ideal temperature, and it is very practical for the mother. As it does not need to be prepared, it is free from the risk of contamination of germs or any errors that may occur during the preparation itself, and, therefore, it is safe for the baby. |
