Positive Impact on Baby’s Development
Neonatal period is the most challenging stage of a child's development, as they must begin independent living in a completely different environment. An infant breastfed promptly adapts better because, with breast milk, they receive many substances that the mother could not pass to the fetus through the placenta (e.g., immunity antibodies). That is why children fed naturally are much less likely to suffer from infectious, allergic, or immunological diseases. They develop physically and mentally more efficiently, start sitting, speaking, and walking sooner, and have stronger and more durable teeth. In school age, they show higher intelligence levels than their peers who were fed with formulas during infancy. The protective role of breast milk is also linked to a lower incidence of childhood cancers, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and so-called “civilization diseases,” such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and obesity.
From Nature to Humans
Breast milk has been naturally adapted to meet the needs of the newborn and differs fundamentally from cow's milk, which is the basis of artificial formulas. It is a species-specific food that infants in their first year of life should consume.
Its composition depends on the diet and feeding method of the mother, the time of day, and the phase of breastfeeding. It is a constantly changing food, tailored to the child's development, needs, and digestive and metabolic capabilities.
Strengthened Immunity
Milk secreted in small amounts during the first days of lactation is called colostrum. It contains significantly higher levels of protein than mature milk, fewer carbohydrates and fats, and numerous enzymes. Half of the proteins in breast milk are immunoglobulins (antibodies), which provide protection against microorganisms the mother has encountered earlier. A newborn does not produce its own antibodies initially, and this process begins only around 3 months of age. Immunoglobulins adhere to the lining of the intestines, protecting them from bacterial invasion, neutralizing viruses, and binding toxins. It’s like the first natural “vaccine” that a newborn receives from its mother. No other milk (cow, goat, or formula) contains immunoglobulins. Colostrum also facilitates the excretion of meconium, reducing the risk of jaundice.
Adaptation to Needs
Milk composition gradually changes (transition milk) until around 3 weeks old, when it becomes mature milk with lower protein content and high fat content. Cow's milk contains three times more protein than human milk, which can cause “overfeeding” or “bloating” in babies. The proteins in human and cow's milk mainly consist of two fractions: casein and whey. In cow's milk, the ratio of casein to whey proteins is about 3:1. In human milk, it is the opposite, which leads to the formation of delicate whey protein curds in the baby’s digestive tract, preventing food stagnation and aiding digestion. Conversely, cow's milk casein can accumulate in the stomach as difficult-to-digest bezoars. The whey proteins in human milk are dominated by alpha-lactoglobulin, whereas in cow's milk, beta-lactoglobulin is prevalent and is mainly responsible for allergic reactions. The fats in human and cow's milk also differ significantly in quality. Natural milk predominantly contains unsaturated, long-chain fatty acids essential for proper neural development and visual function.
Main carbohydrate in human milk is lactose, which ensures proper absorption of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Other carbohydrates—oligosaccharides—help protect the newborn by supporting the mucosal barrier, making it harder for pathogens to colonize, and thus strengthening the immune system.
Vitamin levels in breast milk generally meet the needs of the infant (except for vitamins D and K). The mineral content, about three times lower than in cow's milk, is also appropriate for the immature kidneys of the child. Breast milk is also a rich source of many enzymes and hormones.
Benefits for the Mother
Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. Sucking reflex naturally stimulates the uterus to contract after childbirth, manifesting as uterine contractions during the baby's suckling. For many women, breastfeeding has a calming effect and facilitates the return to pre-pregnancy weight. Benefits include a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers.
