Why Should 6 Months Exclusive Breast Feeding?

Jakarta, the Society has been aware of exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is 6 months old. But why have up to 6 months?

"In the first 6 months of life for all nutritional needs from protein, carbohydrates and others have provided for the exclusive breast milk," said Dr. Utami Roesli, the sidelines of the 'OneAsia Breastfeeding Partners Forum 7' at the Grand Flora Hotel Kemang, Jakarta, Wednesday (10 / 11/2010).

Dr. Utami said infants under 6 months old do not have a digestive enzyme that is perfect or mature. While breastfeeding has been contained within the enzyme lipase which helps absorption of nutrients such as fat DHA and AA. But if you eat milk formula derived from cow's milk, there is no absorbing enzyme.

Also in breastmilk contains immune substances that can prevent some illnesses cause of death of children around the world such as diarrhea and pneumonia. And reduce the risk of high blood pressure, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

"Day-the first day of life there is colostrum which is thicker than the milk afterwards. Colostrum is useful to close the pores in the newborn intestine to become perfect," said Chairman of the Indonesian Lactation Center.

Dr. Utami also advised the mother to breastfeed the child until the age of 2 years. Because of the 500 cc of breast milk received by children aged 2 years have fulfilled 31 percent carbohydrates, 38 percent protein, 45 percent of vitamin A and 95 percent of vitamin C a child.

In addition, breastfeeding can also be beneficial for the mother that is as a contraceptive (birth control), natural or lactation amenorrhea method, preventing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, women gain weight faster ideally back and prevent obesity.

After a 6 month old baby's nutritional needs begin to increase and the gastrointestinal tract is ready to receive complementary feeding (MP-ASI). Therefore do not forget to make an early initiation of breastfeeding, followed by exclusive breastfeeding and memberikam MP-ASI made themselves at home for the baby.

An Vera Farah Bararah - detikHealth