Is the nutrition provided by breast milk sufficient Breast milk is the ideal and most complete food for the baby because it contains all of the nutritive elements essential for its growth. It is an important source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals all in the right proportion. The protection is greatest when the baby is only fed breast milk in the first 4-6 months of life.
Breast milk helps to protect the baby against diarrhoea, coughs and colds, and common illnesses.
A non-breastfed baby is 15 times more likely to get diarrhoea and 3 times more likely to get respiratory infection. If your baby is sick, breast milk is ideal because it is nutritious and can be easily digested. Breast milk gets digested easily, even by the baby s delicate digestive system. This means fewer stomach upsets, less wind and less vomiting after feeds. The baby s stools are also soft and less smelly.