breastfeeding and infant feeding

key characteristics of birth - 6 months

- infants should be eclusivley fed human milk

- human milk should contineu through at least the first year, longer if desired

- if human milk is unavaiilbile, feed iron - foritifed infant formula

- provide vitamin d supllements startign soon after birth

key characteristics of feeding after 6 months

- beginn introducing nutrient - dense complementary foods ( solids )

- should complement not replace breast milk or formula

- include iron and zinc rich foods, esp for breasfed babies

- avoid foods with added sugars and high sodium

- sart potentially allergenic foods durng this time

for which nutrients are recommendations higher during lactation than in non lactating state. why ?

- vitamin d: supllementation i srequired for infants , indreictly increasing maternal need if not enough is transferred via breastmilk

- iron and zinc: infants, especially breastfed ones, need foods rich in these at 6 months , suggesting maternal milk is not sufficient alone , so maternal intake must be adequate

why? breasfeeding transfer nutrients to kids , thee nutrients support infants rapid growth , brain develop ment, and immune system

What are other ereccomendations are given to lactating women?

- contineu breastfeeding through the first year, longer if possible

- ensure baby receives vitmain D supplements

- transition gradually from milk to halthy solid oods

- acoid added sugars and excessive sodium in babys diet

- introduce ariety from all food groups when baby starts solids

what are oxytocin and prolactin , and how do they act to regulate milk production and breastfeeding

- prolactin: stimulates milk production in the mammary glands

- oxytocin: causes milk ejection or let down during breastfeeding

what are the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant? to the mother ?

infants: nutritionally ideal, supports growth, provides immune protection , reduced risk of iron deficiency when supplemented appropriatley

- mothers: may reduce risk of certain chronic diseases, supports bonding , and can contribute to postpartum weight loss

what is infant formula , what is it made of ?

substitute formula is a sub for human milk, especially when breastfeeding isn't possible

- should eb iron - fortified to rpevent iron deficiency

- specific ingredients usually:

* cow milk based proteins

- vegetable oils ( for fat )

- lactose or other sugars

- added vitamins and minerals ( including iron , vitmain D)

what do medical and pediatric roagnizations recommend for infant feedign during the first year of life

- 6 months : jsut breast human mlk

through 0 furst year , supplement with formula if needed

- starts solids at 6 motnhs while continue breast / formula

- include iron - rich , zinc rich and nutrient dense

- avoid added sugars an excess sodium

- introduce all food groeups including potentially allergenic

When is solid food introduced to an infant? Why? What is the first food offered?

Around 6 months of age.

Solid food is introduced when:

Baby's iron stores from birth are depleted.

Baby has the developmental ability to handle solids.

First food: Iron-fortified cereal is commonly recommended due to iron needs.

What are key nutritional risks to infants during the first year of life?

Iron deficiency:

Most common in infants 6 months–2 years.

Results in anemia, low oxygen supply, and impaired learning.

Risks increase due to:

Transition to unfortified foods.

Variable appetite during age 1–2.

Low vitamin D: Without supplementation, this may occur in breastfed infants.

Inadequate calcium intake if milk/fortified alternatives are not consumed.

Why are parents told to avoid giving infants cow's milk during their first year of life?

Cow’s milk is low in iron and can cause intestinal bleeding in infants.

High in protein and minerals, which stress immature kidneys.

Does not contain appropriate fat levels or essential nutrients like vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

When should potentially allergenic foods be introduced to the baby's diet?

Around 6 months, at the same time as other complementary foods.

Early introduction may help prevent food allergies.

Foods should be nutrient-dense and varied from all groups.