Miraculous Mixture: Mother?s Milk
Miraculous Mixture: Mother?s Milk
And We have enjoined upon man goodness towards his parents: His mother bore him by bearing strain upon strain, and his weaning was in two years: “[Hence, O man,] be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the eventual coming.” (Qur’an, 31:14)
Mother’s milk is a matchless compound created by Allah to meet the baby’s nutritional needs and protect it against possible infections. The balance of the nutriments in mother’s milk is at ideal levels and the milk is in the ideal form for the baby’s immature body. At the same time, the mother’s milk is also very rich in nutrients which accelerate the growth of brain cells and the development of the nervous system. 1 Artificial baby foods prepared with present-day technology cannot replace this miraculous food.
The list of advantages to the baby provided by mother’s milk is being added to every day. Research has shown that babies who are fed mother’s milk are particularly protected against infections concerning the respiratory and digestive systems. That is because the antibodies in mother’s milk provide a direct defence against infection. Other anti-infection properties of mother’s milk are that it provides a hospitable environment for “good” bacteria called “normal flora” thus constituting a barrier to harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. Furthermore, it has also been established that there are factors in mother’s milk which arrange the immune system against infectious diseases and allow it to function properly. 2
Since the mother’s milk has been specially designed, it is the most easily digestible food for babies. Despite being nutritionally very rich, it is easily digested by the baby’s sensitive digestive system. Since the baby thus expends less energy on digestion, it is able to use that energy for other bodily functions, growth and organ development.
The milk of mothers who have had premature babies contains higher levels of fat, protein, sodium, chloride and iron to meet the baby’s needs. Indeed, it has been established that the functions of the eye develop better in premature babies fed on mother’s milk and that they perform better in intelligence tests. In addition, they also have a great many other advantages.
One of the ways in which mother’s milk is important to the development of the new-born baby is the fact that it contains omega-3 oil alpha linoleic acids. As well as being an important compound for the human brain and retina, it is also of great importance from the point of view of new-born babies. Omega-3 is of particular importance throughout pregnancy and the early stages of babyhood if the brain and nerves are to develop normally. Scientists particularly emphasise the importance of mother’s milk as a natural and perfect store of omega-3. 3
Furthermore, research by Bristol University scientists revealed that among the long-term benefits of mother’s milk are its positive effect on blood pressure, thanks to which the risk of heart attack is reduced. The research team concluded that the protective nature of mother’s milk stems from its nutritional content. According to the results of the research, published in the medical journal Circulation, babies fed on mother’s milk are less likely to develop heart disease. It has been revealed that the presence in mother’s milk of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids—these prevent hardening of the arteries—along with the fact that babies fed on mother’s milk consume less sodium—this is closely linked to blood pressure—and do not, as a result, gain excessive amounts of weight are among the ways that mother’s milk benefits the heart. 4
In addition, a team led by Dr. Lisa Martin, of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre in the USA, found high levels of the protein hormone known as adiponectin in mother’s milk. 5 High blood levels of adiponectin are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. Low levels of adiponectin are found in people who are obese and who are at increased risk of a heart attack. It was therefore established that the risk of obesity in babies fed on mother’s milk declined in relation to this hormone. Furthermore, they also discovered the presence of another hormone called leptin in the mother’s milk which has a central role in fat metabolism. Leptin is believed to be a signal to the brain that there is fat on the body. According to Dr. Martin’s announcement, therefore, these hormones absorbed in babyhood through mother’s milk reduce the risk of such illnesses as obesity, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, and coronary artery disease. 6
Facts about “The Freshest Food”
The facts about the mother’s milk are not restricted to these. The contribution it makes to the baby’s health alters according to the phases the baby undergoes and whichever foodstuff is required at a particular stage, the contents of the milk change to meet those very specific needs. Mother’s milk, ready at all times and at the ideal temperature, plays a major role in brain development because of the sugar and fat it contains. In addition, elements such as calcium in it play a large role in the development of the baby’s bones.
Although it is called milk, this miraculous compound actually consists mostly of water. This is a most important feature because in addition to food, babies also need liquid in the form of water. Full hygiene may not be established in water or foodstuffs other than mother’s milk. Yet mother’s milk—90% water no less—, meets the baby’s water needs in the most hygienic manner.
Mother’s Milk and Intelligence
Scientific research shows that the cognitive development in breast-fed babies is greater than that in other babies. A comparative analysis of breast-fed babies and formula-fed babies by James W. Anderson—an expert from the University of Kentucky—established that the IQs of babies fed on mother’s milk were 5 points higher than those of other babies. As a result of this study, it was determined that intelligence is benefited by mother’s milk for up to 6 months and that children who are breast-fed for less than 8 weeks show no IQ benefit. 7
Does Mother’s Milk Combat Cancer?
As a result of all the research performed, it is proven that mother’s milk, on which hundreds of papers have been published, protects babies against cancer. This, despite the fact that the mechanism is not yet fully understood. When a protein from the mother’s milk killed off tumour cells which had been grown in laboratories without damaging any healthy cells, researchers stated that a great potential has emerged. Catharina Svanborg, professor of clinical immunology at Lund University in Sweden, headed the research team that discovered these miraculous secrets of mother’s milk. 8 This team at Lund University have described the way that mother’s milk provides protection against many forms of cancer as a miraculous discovery.
Initially, researchers treated intestinal mucous cells taken from new-born babies with mother’s milk. They observed that the disorder caused by the bacterium Pneumococcus and known as pneumonia was efficiently halted by mother’s milk. What is more, babies fed on mother’s milk encounter far fewer hearing difficulties than those fed on formula and suffer far fewer respiratory infections. After a series of studies, it was shown that mother’s milk also provides protection against cancer. After showing that the incidence of the lymph cancer observed in childhood was nine times greater in formula-fed children, they realised that the same results applied to other forms of cancer. According to the results, mother’s milk accurately locates the cancer cells and later destroys them. It is a substance called alpha-lac (alphalactalbumin), present in large quantities in mother’s milk, that locates and kills the cancer cells. Alpha-lac is produced by a protein that assists in the manufacture of the sugar lactose in the milk.9
This Matchless Blessing Is a Gift from Allah
Another miraculous feature of mother’s milk is the fact that it is exceedingly beneficial for the baby to be fed with it for two years. 10 This important information, only recently discovered by science, was revealed by Allah fourteen centuries ago in the verse: “Mothers should nurse their children for two full years—those who wish to complete the full term of nursing…” (Qur’an, 2:233)
In the same way that the mother does not decide to produce milk, the most ideal source of nourishment for the helpless baby in need of feeding in her body, neither does she decide on the various nutritional levels within it. It is Almighty Allah, Who knows the needs of and displays mercy to every living thing, Who creates mother’s milk for the baby in the mother’s body.
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1- “High-Risk Newborn—The Benefits of Mother’s Own Milk,” University of Utah Health Sciences Center, www.uuhsc.utah.edu/healthinfo/pediatric/Hrnewborn/bhrnb.htm.
2- Ibid.
3- C. Billeaud, et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997, vol. 51, 520-526.
4- “Breast milk ‘does cut heart risk’,” 1 March 2004, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3523143.stm.
5- “Breast milk helps reduce obesity,” 2 May 2004, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3673149.stm.
6- Ibid.
7- Tim Whitmire, “IQ Gain from Breastfeeding,” http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/breastfeeding990923.html.
8- “Breakthrough in Cancer Research,” www.mediconvalley.com/news/Article.asp?NewsID=635.
9- Peter Radetsky, “Human Breast Milk Kills Cancer Cells,” Discover 20, No. 06, June 1999.
10- Rex D. Russell, “Design in Infant Nutrition,” www.icr.org/pubs/imp/imp-259.htm.
Mother is Still Here: Sister Nirmala
Mother is Still Here: Sister Nirmala
It has been a decade since Kolkata’s “Saint of Gutters”, Mother Teresa went home to God. But Missionaries of Charity, the order established by Mother in 1950, still continues to feel her divine presence around. The moment one enters the premises of Mother’s House on AJC Bose Road in central Kolkata, one is overwhelmed by a feeling of warmth, peace and serenity like one has never experienced before. Two days before her tenth death anniversary, the spirit of Mother Teresa rests in peace in a white marble tomb, built in the middle of Mother’s House, and is surrounded by devotees, who sit with their heads bowed, paying a silent tribute to the lady who gave up everything to serve the “poorest of the poor”. “Service to the poorest of the poor” still continues to be the fundamental article of faith in Missionaries of Charity.
“Jesus is the bread of life” is written in flowers over Mother’s tomb, and a soft fragrance of incense wafts through the air to create an aura of unmatched divinity. The room adjacent to Mother’s tomb holds her possessions and pictures, and tells a tale of Mother’s service to humankind. The pictures of Mother Teresa, along with her belongings displayed with care, make one feel a close proximity with the petite Mother. “She is everywhere in the House”, smiles Sister Nirmala, the Superior General of Missionaries of Charity, before settling down with HeadlinesIndia for an exclusive interview about life during Mother’s time, and beyond.
It has been ten years since Mother passed away. How has life been in Missionaries of Charity after Mother?
Sister Nirmala: Missionaries of Charity, by the grace of God, and with the presence, prayers and blessings of Mother, is continuing with its work and is going on. It continues to be in the same spirit that it was in when it was founded by Mother.
It has also been ten years of responsibility for you. How does it feel to be in Mother’s place?
Sister Nirmala: I would not say I am in Mother’s place. I can never replace Mother. I have my own place. I cannot be Mother, I cannot live her life. I have my life, and I am living it the way Mother wanted me to. I think Mother is irreplaceable. No one can ever take her place.
How far do you think you have lived up to Mother’s expectations?
Sister Nirmala: I am just continuing the work that she was doing. I try my best to live up to her expectations. I feel, may be Mother is happy with me (laughs).
So, do you hear Mother’s voice in your heart, saying she is happy with you? Do you feel her around you?
Sister Nirmala: Yes, I feel her guiding me in everything I do. I never felt that she is not happy with me. I know she is there to look after everything.
Apparently you shared a very close bond with Mother. Tell us something about your relationship with Mother Teresa.
Sister Nirmala: See, we are sisters, but we are really her daughters. I was like her daughter too…
And what kind of bonding did you share with her?
Sister Nirmala: She was a real mother for my future direction. She guided me in a lot of things. As I grew up before her eyes, she taught me how to love, how to care selflessly. She guided me to spirituality, and she encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do (Mother Teresa had encouraged Sister Nirmala to study law). So I really shared a very special bond with her.
With such special bond, do you miss her around?
Sister Nirmala: It is only her physical being that is missing from here. Her spirit continues to be in every part of the order. We feel here presence everywhere.
Coming back to the order, what changes has Missionaries of Charity seen over the past decade?
Sister Nirmala: The changes have come in the form of expansion. We have expanded to 14 new countries, and we are striving hard to expand further. The Missionaries of Charity has set up 166 new homes across the world. The number of nuns has increased too. Everything else is the same (laughs)…
It is often alleged that Missionaries of Charity follows a static and rudimentary style of functioning….
Sister Nirmala: It is our rule, you know. We follow our tradition, we follow our spirit…
Don’t you wish to modernise the Missionaries of Charity?
Sister Nirmala: No. We prefer to keep it simple. That is the way Missionaries of Charity is (laughs).
What about the funds and donations that are sent to Missionaries of Charity? Has there been any change in the amount of help you received during Mother’s time?
Sister Nirmala: People are still sending us donations. They’re helping us in many ways. We have more than we need (smiles serenely). Mother’s blessings are there with us. People still appreciate what she has done.
What is it about Mother that still keeps her alive in people’s hearts?
Sister Nirmala: Love. It is her love for them. The words of love that she spread is still carved in people’s hearts. That is why people love Mother Teresa.
It has been revealed that Mother Teresa suffered from a spiritual crisis in the last four decades of her life. Did she have doubts about her own faith in God?
Sister Nirmala: She did not have any doubts about her faith in God. It is just that she was disturbed by the silence of God. Don’t we all feel the silence of God at times? She was after all, a human, who was also perturbed by the silence of the almighty.
Did she ever share her apprehensions with you? Did she tell you about the crisis that she was facing?
Sister Nirmala: She never told anything to us. She was a very simple and reserved person, and she kept her problems to herself. She did not burden us with her troubles.
Did she not tell you even about her physical pains and problems?
Sister Nirmala: She did only when she was in immense pain.
How do you feel about Mother Teresa’s canonisation by the Pope later this year?
Sister Nirmala: For us, for the people, Mother was always a saint. Now they are making it official. Of course it is a beautiful feeling because though she is already a saint, it is now being declared officially. All her hard work, the challenges that she faced, the life she lived have been rewarded. It is a beautiful feeling (smiles).
So this year is special for Missionaries of Charity. Mother’s tenth death anniversary is to be followed by her canonisation… Do you have any special plans to commemorate her on her tenth death anniversary on the of September 5 ?
Sister Nirmala: We will be organising a Feast Day celebration on her death anniversary. A book containing all her writings and prayers is also coming out this year on the of September 4. We will start the day with Candlelight Procession and Rosary, and will follow it up with Holy Mass and Prayer for Peace. The Catholic Association of West Bengal has also scheduled events which started on August 4, her birthday, and will continue till September 14.
Anything other than this….?
Sister Nirmala: No. We would like to keep it simple, as Mother preferred it to be (smiles).
Okay, one last question. Is there any special message which you would like to convey to people on your own, as well as Mother Teresa’s behalf?
Sister Nirmala: Yes. I would like to thank the people for all that they are doing. I expect more of their support, their prayers to come. I would like to thank them for the love they have showered on Mother, and Missionaries of Charity. Their words of love keep us going. I would also like to encourage young people to give their lives to God so that they can carry on with Mother’s legacy of selfless love and sacrifice. Also, I would like to thank the media for all the efforts that they put for keeping Mother alive even today!
For More Articles By The Same Author & For More News From India Visit http://www.headlinesindia.com/
This piece was on CBS news for Mother’s Day.
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