The Role of Breast Milk in Infant Development

Breast milk is considered the first superfood for many newborns, containing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that help build the child’s immune system. However, not all mothers can breastfeed directly throughout the day and night, leading some to use pre-packaged milk.

Biological Signals in Breast Milk

Breast milk’s role extends beyond mere nutrition; it also conveys biological signals from mother to infant, believed to influence the child’s daily biological rhythms. These signals include hormones and proteins whose concentrations vary over a 24-hour period.

Studies have shown that melatonin peaks at night, while cortisol is at its highest in the early morning. These changes support the role of natural milk in regulating sleep and developing the immune and metabolic systems of infants.

Recent Research and Studies

In a recent study published in the journal “Frontiers,” researchers analyzed samples of natural milk taken from mothers at different times of the day. The results showed that some milk components, like melatonin and cortisol, exhibit clear fluctuations throughout the day, while others, such as immune proteins, remain constant.

Researchers also studied the effect of age on the concentration of these compounds, finding that infants under one month old receive higher levels of protective compounds like IgA and lactoferrin, which enhance the child’s immunity and support healthy growth.

Practical Implications of Research Findings

The findings suggest that greater benefits can be achieved from natural milk by timing the feeding of packaged milk to match when it was expressed. This can help maintain the natural biological signals that support infant sleep and development of the immune and metabolic systems.

It is recommended to label packaged milk as “morning” or “evening” and feed infants accordingly, which may help preserve the natural hormonal and microbial composition of the milk.

The Importance of Natural Milk in a Child’s Life

Natural milk is one of the most important nutritional elements for a child, providing complete and appropriate nutrition for healthy growth. Additionally, natural milk carries biological signals that contribute to regulating the child’s sleep patterns and daily life rhythms.

In modern societies, where it may not be possible for mothers to stay with their children all day, timing the feeding of packaged milk is a practical and simple step to maximize the benefits of natural milk.

Conclusion

Recent research highlights the complexity and dynamism of breast milk, not only as a source of nutrition but as a means of conveying biological signals that affect a child’s growth and health. These findings represent an important step towards improving infant feeding methods and maximizing the benefits of natural milk.