12 Mar 2019 | 4 min Read
Criselle Lobo
Author | 38 Articles
As an expecting mom approaches the end of the third trimester, there are multiple things that go on in mind – will it be a C-section or normal? the type of birthing option (home birth, water birth, or hospital birth) she should opt for, things to pack in the maternity, post-delivery care and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is one of the most important phases in the life of a newborn baby and his/her mother and here’s why.
It helps strengthen the bond between her mother and her baby.
Breast milk has more nutritional benefits than formula milk.
Baby feeding is known to boost the brain’s development.
For the mom, it lowers the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Prevents asthma, pneumonia, and diarrhea in the baby.
Cuts the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
While it’s best for a new mom to breastfeed her baby, in some cases she may not be able to do so. At times, breastfeeding is also medically contraindicated and that’s when Formula Milk comes into the picture.
Formula Milk is a food made for feeding infants below twelve months. It can be served with o without water. While the ingredients vary from brand to brand, it generally contains processed skimmed cow milk, emulsifiers, and stabilizers.
The former wins hands on. It has tonnes of health benefits and saves both money and time. Yes, a study suggested that breastfeeding helps a family save at 1200 dollars in the baby’s first year.
With regard to time, well, the baby will wake up for feeds, but it is a much quicker process. Breastfeeding would easily give a new mom an additional 45 minutes of sleep each night.
Once the baby is above a year old, s/he can be given animal milk. The different types are:
The most commonly-used one across the globe. It is good for the bones and easier to digest.
It is high in fat content but still has lesser cholesterol than cow’s milk. Since it is strong, make sure you dilute it with water before giving it to your baby.
Not very popular fast selling in India but an excellent source of potassium and phosphorus.
If the baby’s parents are vegan and would want their child to adopt the same lifestyle. They need to wait for 1.5 years before introducing plant-based milk. Post that, these are the vegan milk options available to them:
This dairy-free option is gaining popularity in India. It goes well with smoothies but makes sure you don’t cook it.
People in southern parts of India are known to use coconut milk in some of their curries. It’s rich and creamy, which makes it perfect for desserts.
Widely available and not as expensive as Almond Milk. Soy Milk is a great substitute in coffees. In India, many brands sell vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and other flavors of soy milk.
This blends well in savory and sweet dishes but is generally pricier than other types of vegan milk.
Not very versatile but if you are making a chocolate or coffee-based drink, look no further.
It may not be heard of as much but pea milk is loaded with protein, calcium, and omega-3s.
Make it look appealing. Serve it in a colorful cup and top it with a wafer biscuit or cookie.
Flavoring matters. Get any chocolate or strawberry mix and add it to the milk. Don’t do this often as the instant mixes are filled with sugar.
A milkshake is hard to refuse. Use seasonal fruits instead of chocolate syrups though.
If your child hates milk but consumes yogurt and cheese, it is good enough as they too are packed with calcium.
Also read – After a Year of Research & Debate, Here’s Why I Gave Up Milk!
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