brystmælk

Brystmælk, also known as human milk, is a nutrient-rich fluid produced by the mammary glands of lactating women. It is considered the ideal food for infants, providing a complete and balanced source of nutrition essential for their growth and development. The composition of brystmælk varies over time, adapting to the infant's changing needs.

The early milk produced, called colostrum, is a thick, yellowish fluid rich in antibodies and other immune factors, providing passive immunity to the newborn. As lactation progresses, mature milk is produced, which consists of water, carbohydrates (primarily lactose), fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The fat content is particularly important for brain development and energy.

Brystmælk offers numerous benefits for both the infant and the mother. For the infant, it is easily digestible, reduces the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases later in life, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. For the mother, breastfeeding can aid in postpartum recovery, help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life, followed by continued breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. While breastfeeding is widely encouraged, societal and personal factors can influence a mother's ability to breastfeed.