Breastfeeding: The Right Choice for Mother and Baby

In mammals, the mammary glands are organs that produce milk for the nourishment of the young.   Hollow cavities (a few millimeters large in size) known as the alveoli are the fundamental component of mature mammary glands.  Milk-secreting cuboidal cells surrounded by myoepihelial cells line the mammary gland (Waston).  The alveoli combine into groups and form lobules which produce and store milk. The lobules contain lactiferous ducts which drain into the openings of the nipple. Prolactin and oxytocin are mammalian hormones primarily known for their role in female reproduction and maternal behaviors (bonding, etc.).  A pituitary hormone, prolactin stimulates and maintains milk secretion.  Released from the pituitary gland as well, oxytocin functions as a neurotransmitter agent in the brain.   During labor, a large amount of oxytocin is released after expansion of the cervix and vagina. Contraction of the myoephihelial cells triggered by the release of oxytocin subsequently excretes milk secreted from alveolar units into the lobule lumen toward the nipple.  As the baby begins to breastfeed, the let down reflex (mediated by oxytocin) ensues and insures that milk is secreted into as opposed to being sucked directly from the gland (Waston).  

 Medical experts agree that breastfeeding or consumption of human breast milk is by far the most nutritional/beneficial form of feeding for newborn human babies.  In regards to infant nutrition, the World Health Organization (WHO) states – “Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more (WHO).”

The mother’s bloodstream and bodily stores primarily constitute its nutrient content which is relatively stable.  Milk quality is dependent upon the physiological/psychological health of the mother.  Bad food habits, chronic illnesses, stress, smoking, and drink significantly compromise the quality.  The age of the baby and how long the nursing sessions are affects the composition of the breast milk also. Whichever the case, it provides “the right amount of nutrition at exactly the right time (Gartner).”  Proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, and water are vital nutrients the human body must have in order to function properly.  Breast milk contains these essentials and a vast array of other nutrients, vitamins, and minerals which include: