Milk is an opaque white liquid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals (including monotremes). It provides the primary source of nutrition for newborn mammals before they are able to digest other types of food.
The early lactation milk is known as colostrum, and carries the mother's antibodies to the baby. It can reduce the risk of many diseases in the baby. The exact components of raw milk varies by species, but it contains significant amounts of saturated fat, protein and calcium as well as vitamin C. Cow's milk has a pH ranging from 6.4 to 6.8, making it slightly acidic.
Breast milk refers to the milk produced by a mother to feed her baby. It provides the primary source of nutrition for newborns before they are able to eat and digest other foods; older infants and toddlers may continue to be breastfed. The baby nursing from its own mother is the most ordinary way of obtaining breastmilk, but the milk can be pumped and then fed by baby bottle, cup and/or spoon, supplementation drip system, and nasogastric tube.
Breastmilk can be supplied by a woman other than the baby's mother; this is known as wetnursing. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, with solids being introduced at this age. Breastfeeding is recommended for at least twelve months and can continue as long as mother and child wish. Breastfeeding continues to offer health benefits into and after toddlerhood.
Friday, March 13, 2009
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