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PROTECTION OF BREASTMILK Human milk contains a host of protective substances. The nutritional composition also supports the health of the infant by providing the ideal balance of nutrients for the infant, at the same time denying any dangerous organisms the chance to multiply. This is done by providing the minimum amount of iron, for example and binding it in such a way that the baby can utilize it (lactoferrin), but not any harmful bacteria that are present in the gut. There are other bacteria that humans find it useful to colonize the gut but they do not use iron. There are a number of sugars produced in human milk which remain undigested and appear to be present to inhibit the growth of dangerous organisms. There are the antibodies to all the diseases with which the mother has come into contact and to diseases that only the baby has met. Here are some of the conditions that we know breastfeeding helps to prevent: Constipation Eczema Asthma Gastrointestinal infections Respiratory infections Urinary tract infections Ear infections Sudden infant death | ||
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CATHERINE HOLLAND Tel: 0701 7415310 Email: catherine@catherineholland.co.uk | |
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