EXCLUSIVE

BREASTFEEDING
Talitha
WHAT IS EXCLUSIVE
BREASTFEEDING?
Feeding infants only breast
milk and no other liquids or
solids are given.

Directly from breast

Other way
COMPOSITION OF
BREAST MILK
Different types of breastmilk

■ Colostrum
Colostrum is the secretion produced during the first few days (1-7 days) after birth and
differs from both transitional and mature milk. It contains a higher amount of protein, less
fat and a number of immunising factors for the newborn.
■ Transitional milk
It is the transition from colostrum to mature milk, where lactation is established and
production of milk begins in the breast tissue. Transitional milk is produced from
approximately day 8 – 20.
■ Mature milk
Mature milk is produced from 20 days after birth, onwards. Mature milk continues to provide
immune factors and other important non-nutritional components to the infant.
 HEALTH BENEFITS
■ Prevention of infections
Human milk feeding decreases the incidence and/or severity of a wide range of infectious
diseases.
■ Overweight obesity and diabetes
It seems that with any breastfeeding there is a 15% to 30% reduction of obesity rates in
adolescence and adulthood.
■ Malignant disease
Breast milk may have a role in the prevention of malignant disease by stimulating or
modulating the immune response and promoting its development in early life. Breastmilk
promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and
chronic diseases
■ Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers
reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national
resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment.
 How long should an infant be
exclusively fed breastmilk?

Around the first 6 months. But breastmilk is

still very important beyond the first 6
months.