Breast Feeding

Breat Feeding

Breast feeding practice is followed everywhere in India, except among higher socio- economic groups, who tend to look for alternatives to breast-feeding. Ignorance of the advantages of breast-feeding and the proper method often leads to discontinuation in most cases.

Basic Facts:

* The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth, without the stimulation of breast-feeding.

* The immunity factors in breast milk can help the body fight off infections.

* Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.

* Breast and formula feeding can be used together.

Advantages of breast-feeding.

--> It is the simplest way to feed the baby.

--> It increases the period of lactation amenonhoes after childbirth.

--> Breast milk also contains infection-fighting anti-bodies from the mother.

--> Breast feeding in the initial 4- months of the baby’s life reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby.

--> The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks of proteins, are well balanced for the baby. These proteins best aid the baby’s intestinal tract.

--> The emotional bonding between the baby and mother is strengthened & gives a feeling of satisfaction and achievement to the mother.

--> It is much cheaper than artificial feeding.

The baby should be put to the breast as soon as possible after birth. The initial yellowish and thick fluid (colostrum) is rich in proteins and protective antibodies. The practice of giving ghutti should be discouraged, because the nourishment of the baby is delayed, increasing chances of infection and delaying the stimulation for milk production.