The first food consumed by a newborn child is breast milk. Breast milk contains all nutrients needed by an infant during the first six months of life. Breast milk is vital for growth and development of the newborn.
The baby will gain passive immunity from the mother. Colostrum in breast milk contains immunoglobulins which boost the immunity of your baby. This will help your baby to recover quickly childhood illnesses such as diarrhea. It also reduces mortality among infants as boosted immunity promotes healthy growth of the baby.Breast milk contains all nutrients required for the growth of the baby.
It contains proteins, energy, vitamins and minerals that are needed for the fast-growing infant. Do not give the child plain water or any other drink as breast milk provides adequate fluids required by the baby. Cow’s milk is indigestible by the baby, so do not give the baby cow’s milk.
Breast milk is easily digestible. Since the baby’s digestive system is not fully developed, introducing other food such as porridge might result in irritation of the gut resulting in complications such as diarrhea and ulcer. Early introduction of other foods may trigger the body to develop immunity against them and thus resulting to food allergy development at a later stage of life.
All lactating mothers are recommended to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months unless it is a special case recommended by a pediatrician. Wet nursing is recommended for this case.