The most convenient method to gift your child a healthy life is timely initiation, adequacy and continuation of breastfeeding in newborns. While breastfeeding had been a regular practice since ancient times, recent new mothers are apparently skeptical of breastfeeding. This article emphasizes on the importance of breastfeeding, good breastfeeding practices and addresses the myths and doubts related to it.
Introduction
Breastfeeding is a vital practice that ensures proper physical, mental and psychosocial growth and development of child in the crucial first few years of life. Mother’s milk is said to be the first natural vaccine, as it transfers antibodies to child, hence boosting immunity of the baby. It is easy to digest and has a naturally balanced amount of calories, proteins, fats and most essential nutrients required by the child. Breastfeeding not just protects the child from malnutrition, but in fact helps the mother lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy quickly. It also decreases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mother.
While breastfeeding had been a common practice since ancient times, urbanization and the trend of westernization has reduced the trust in the natural process. Promotion of formula milk in ads and banners has curtailed mothers’ faith in their own milk and encouraged them to buy and feed such expensive alternatives to the baby in the expectance of a healthy and cheerful child as advertised. But in fact the case is contrary.
Globally only 48% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their child. It is postulated exclusive breastfeeding can bring down infant mortality by four times. Following is all that science says about the essential practice of breastfeeding.
When to start?
Mothers should start breastfeeding their child as early as possible after delivery, preferably within 30 minutes of normal delivery and 1 hour of caesarean section or in case of complications. Close contact between the infant and mother helps stimulate the urge to feed, both in the baby and mother. Initial milk produced is thicker and yellowish, it is called colostrum. Sometimes elderly may recommend discarding it because of its unusual color and consistency. However, it is rich in protein and antibodies and must be fed to the baby.
When to feed?
Mothers should breastfeed their child at least 6-8 times a day preferably every 2-4 hours. Eventually, ‘breastfeeding on demand’ must be practiced. Look for cues like crying, restlessness, leaning towards mothers chest etc. as signs of demand for feed. There is no hard and fast limit to the frequency of feeding. Child may also demand feeding at night and waking up at night frequently may be tiring for the mother, but it is a sign of good health in the baby.
Once the baby is full and satisfied, he/she will sleep well. Frequency of urination and defecation is a direct indicator of adequate breastfeeding. Normally, you will need to change diapers 6-7 times a day. If the baby is breastfeeding well, he/she will show adequate increase in weight subsequently.
When not to breastfeed?
Always breastfeed the baby.
Galactosemia, a congenital disorder wherein the enzyme that helps in digestion of milk is absent, is the one and only absolute contraindication to breastfeeding Breastfeeding must be continued in all other cases. In case the mother is HIV+, there are some chances of transfer of infection to the baby, hence advice of a medical practitioner must be followed. In cases when mother is on ART and viral load in mother is low, breastfeeding can be continued. In case of TB+ mothers, breastfeeding can be continued with precautions. Overall risk benefit analysis favors breastfeeding in such cases.
Till when to breastfeed?
Exclusive breastfeeding is mandatorily advised to all newborns up to 6 months of age. It is a must for proper physical, mental and social well being of the child. No supplementary feed solid or liquid should be given to the baby. In fact, even additional water is not required. Breast milk is a complete food for the baby in all ways.
While breastfeeding can be continued till 2 years of age, supplementary nutrition becomes crucial after 6 months of age. As the baby grows, the protein and calorie requirements of the body increase which cannot be solely fulfilled by breastfeeding alone. Beginning from light semi solid diet, child should gradually be encouraged to eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Inadequate dietary supplementation renders child susceptible to malnutrition, which is the most important cause for poor immunity and hence, death due to common infectious diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea. So supplementary diet along with breastfeeding is recommended up to 2 years of age in children.
Benefits of breastfeeding
For the mother
- Establishes a unique bond between the mother and child.
- Decreases the risk of post partum bleeding.
- Helps lose extra weight gained during pregnancy
- Lowers the risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
- Lowers the risk of postpartum depression
- Cost efficient for the mother and family
- Naturally delays ovulation and hence conception. Thus acts as a natural method of spacing pregnancies.
For the child
- Easier to digest
- A complete source of nutrition for the child
- Provides passive immunity to the child in the form of antibodies that helps fight infections.
- Boosts intelligence quotient and psychosocial development of child
- Seen to be associated with lower risk of chronic diseases (obesity, diabetes etc.) in children in later life.
- Overall healthy physical growth of the child.
Correct method for breastfeeding
There are various positions in which the mother can feed the baby. But in all, it is important to keep un mind the following points-
- Support the head of the baby.
- Guide him/her to your nipple
- Baby’s mouth should completely cover the nipple
- His/her lower chin should touch your breast.
- Completely empty one breast before moving the baby to other breast. This is because the initial milk, called foremilk contains more water and less carbs and fats and mainly quenches child’s thirst. Whereas the latter part of milk, called hindmilk, is rich in calorie, protein and fat and fulfills baby’s hunger. Incomplete feeding not just keeps the baby unsatisfied but also may result in signs of breast engorgement in the mother.
A newborn brings a lot of joy to a family. And this celebration must be marked promptly with breastfeeding. Care, encouraging and understanding nature of the family towards the mother, bolsters her recovery and ensures good maternal and child health post delivery.
“Something as simple as breastfeeding could save a million children a year.” – Anne M Mulcahy.
–Bhumika Arora, Author (Med College Darshan), MBBS (GMC Amritsar), Member (NMO Punjab).
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