Masters of Health Magazine May 2024 | Page 78

Think for a moment and imagine a world without mothers.  For many, it would be unthinkable.  The survival of the human species depends on the love and nurturing a mother is meant to provide - I call this Motherhood Mastery!  

 

The most critical time for life’s foundation is the first nine months in the womb and the first three years of a child’s life.  After that, the focus is on growth, development, and maintenance.  If a mother’s body is not well prepared, relaxed, nourished, and free from toxic chemicals and stress during this time, her offspring and each generation will be disadvantaged.  Why is this simple, common-sense knowledge and law of Nature not valued or taught in schools? 

 

Immediately following birth, the mother’s first food nourishment for her offspring is colostrum produced by her mammary glands.  Colostrum is rich in antibodies and white blood cells that give her offspring the best possible start to life.  Colostrum antibodies protect her newborn against disease and infection.  It also contains immune and growth factors and other bioactive compounds that help to activate her baby’s immune system.  They also jumpstart gut function and seed a healthy gut microbiome in the first few days of life.  They are essential for a baby’s health, growth, and vitality.   Colostrum also contains small messenger peptides (cytokines) that control the functioning of the immune system along with growth factors of every kind.   Breastfeeding within the first hour of life protects the newborn from acquiring infections.  It also reduces the risk of death during the neonatal period.  Yet, this knowledge is rarely known by mothers. 

                           

 

 

For the first six months of life, a mother’s breastmilk is the best primary source of infant nutrition.  In the right balance, it contains fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and substances to protect against infection and inflammation.  It contributes to the healthy development of an infant’s immune system and gut microbiome.  During breastfeeding, mother and baby bond, mostly by the sense of touch.  Breastmilk provides vital nourishment for the first six months of life and up to two years old. 

 

Mother’s milk and the food she feeds her offspring for survival and well-being depend on her food choices and good nutrition.  Good nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding can prevent most of today’s diseases.  

Statue of Mother with Children at the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno