Early Introduction Of Cow's Milk

• In India cultural believes influences animal milk consumption. Bovine milk is considered to be, the next best substitute for mother's milk from generations and is reinforced by family members like mothers or mother-in-law. Misconception that there is no milk for first 24 hours after delivery, insufficient lactation, perception that mother is too tired to feed baby for some time after long birth triggers adoption of bovine milk. Mothers also initiate bovine milk from beginning itself to accustom the child drinking milk (Mayuri et al.2012).

It is well know that early introduction of whole cow's milk may lead to iron deficiency anemia. Cow's milk is also difficult to digest and may increase stress on kidney. Early exposure to cow's milk proteins increases the risk of developing allergy to milk proteins. Knowing the above facts it becomes essential to educate mothers on necessity of breastfeeding infants for optimal health. If breast milk is not available, it is preferred to use iron-fortified formulas rather than whole cow's milk during the first year of life.