Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition - Coursework Example

A mother must get some teaching on the importance of breastfeeding.  The mother has to be informed that breast milk is the only food that a newborn baby can digest and, contains all the nutrients needed by the baby. The milk is also helpful in boosting the immune system of the baby thus, protecting it from diseases. Breastfeeding also bonds the mother with her child.

Other reasons for not breastfeeding could be health-related issues such as HIV and drug abuse. However, these must only be established from the mother herself. If she smokes or drinks alcohol, she must quit for the sake of the baby. If the mother has HIV, she will also be advised appropriately on how to feed the baby.  If the case is extreme such that the baby cannot be breastfed, I would recommend that it be given commercial infant formula. The formula shall nourish the baby with nutrients such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and antibodies.