Community Service: Give Understanding to the Community The Difference Between Breastfeeding and Formula Milk for Babies

Mother’s milk (ASI) is the best nutrition for babies, especially at the age of 0-6 months, therefore exclusive breastfeeding must be given at that age. Because breast milk contains antibodies, allergy, antiviral, antiparasitic, growth factors, hormones and enzymes whose existence is not the same as that of formula milk.

 In addition, in breast milk there are various bioactive ingredients that help the function of the digestive tract, immune system, and for the development of the baby’s brain. On the other hand, the advantages of breastfeeding are that it is economical, easy to provide, and does not require bottle sterilization.

However, in some conditions such as milk production does not come out or the mother is sick/treated, formula milk can be given as a substitute. The composition in formula milk (sufor) has been developed to match the fat composition of breast milk (omega 3 fatty acids and DHA/ARA), both of which play a role in neurodevelopment.  

The explanation was delivered by Dr. Abdul Manab, a lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB) through an online seminar, Saturday (28/08/2021). He was with a lecturer from the interest of Animal Products Technology, Ria Dewi Andriani, M.Sc, Dr. Manik Eirry Sawitri, Dr. Premy Puspitawati Rahayu, Dr. Purwadi, Dr. Mustakim, Dr. Khotibul Umam Al Awwaly, Dr. Imam Thohari, and Dr. Herly Evanuarini held a seminar that discussed breastfeeding and formula milk.

The goal is to provide knowledge, understanding, and skills about breastfeeding, formula milk, and sterilization of equipment for formula to the public. Especially for young married couples, prospective mothers and fathers, and interested students

At the event, the team also invited Safitri, S.Pt as a practitioner as the second resource person. He stated that there is a need for commitment in the family to support the success of exclusive breastfeeding for their babies. However, it is necessary to pay attention to sanitation and sterilization of bottles, caps, and teats so that cleanliness is always maintained.

 Sanitation and sterilization can be done by (1) washing the milk bottle with soap for washing the milk bottle, (2) rinsing it with running water until it is clean, (3) draining the milk bottle by hanging it to dry, (4) inserting the milk bottle into the water. in a saucepan until submerged, (5) heat the pot until the water boils and count from 15 minutes from the boiling water, (6) take the milk bottle with the lid and nipple on it with a spatula (tweezers), (7) drain upside down until dry, milk bottle ready to use.

While reconstitution or the correct procedure for making formula milk is to put formula milk into a milk bottle according to the dose on the formula milk packaging label and according to the age and needs of toddlers. Then add boiling water (for plain milk powder) and warm/cold water (for instant powdered milk according to the directions on the packaging label. Close the bottle with a teat and lid, and shake gently to mix thoroughly. (dta)