MOTHER’S MILK IS BEST FOR THE BABY
Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition and protection from illnesses of infants. For infants, breast milk is all that is needed for the first 6 months. Breastmilk is the best and most economical food for baby. Warning / Caution: Infant milk substitute is not the sole source of nourishment of an infant. Careful and hygienic preparation of infant milk substitute is most essential for health. Lactose- free infant milk substitute should only be used in case of diarrhea due to Lactose intolerance. Lactose- free infant formula should be withdrawn, if there is no improvement in symptoms of intolerance.
Continued use of infant milk substitute should not be recommended to avoid any difficulties in reverting to breastfeeding of infants after a period of feeding by infant milk substitute. In the event of recommending infant milk substitute in addition to breastmilk or its replacement during the first 6 months, keep the costs in mind. Un-boiled water, un-boiled bottles or incorrect dilution can make a baby ill. Always advise to follow instructions exactly. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks will have negative effect on breastfeeding.
Characteristics of breastmilk: Immediately after delivery, breastmilk is yellowish and sticky. This milk is called Colostrum, which is secreted during the first-week of delivery. Colostrum is more nutritious than mature milk because it contains more protein, more anti-infective properties, which are of great importance for the infant’s defence against dangerous neo-natal infections. It also contains higher levels of Vitamin “A”.
Advantages of breastfeeding:
(A) Breastmilk is a complete and balanced food and provides all the nutrients needed by the infant; (for the first six months of life)
(B) Breastmilk has anti-infective properties that protect the infants from infection in the early months;
(C) Breastfeeding is much cheaper than feeding infant milk substitutes as the cost of extra food needed by the mother is negligible as compared to the cost of feeding infant milk substitutes;
(D) Breastmilk is always available;
(E) Breastmilk needs no utensils or water (which might carry germs) or fuel for it’s preparation;
(F) Mothers who breastfeed usually have longer periods of infertility after child birth than non-lactators.
Management of breastfeeding, as under:
i. Breastfeeding
a.) Immediately after delivery enables the contraction of the womb and helps the mother to regain her figure quickly.
b.) Is successful when the infant suckles frequently and the mother wanting to breastfeed is confident in her ability to do so.
ii. In order to promote and support breastfeeding the mother's natural desire to breastfeed should always be encouraged by giving, where needed, practical advice and making sure that she has the support of her relatives.
iii. Adequate care for the breast and nipples should be taken during pregnancy.
iv. It is also necessary to put the infant to the breast as soon as possible after delivery.
v. Let the mother and the infant stay together after the delivery, the mother and her infant should be allowed to stay together (in hospital, this is called "rooming- in").
vi. Give the infant Colostrum as it is rich in many nutrients and its anti-infective factors protect the infants from infections during the few days of its birth.
vii. The practice of discarding Colostrum and giving sugar water, honey water, butter or other concoctions instead of Colostrum should be very strongly discouraged.
viii. Let the infants suckle on demand.
ix. Every effort should be made to breastfeed the infants whenever they cry.
x. Mother should keep her body and clothes and that of the infant always neat and clean.
Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd,
Floor 17th, Godrej BKC, Plot C-68, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Near MCA Club, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051. India
This information is for healthcare professionals only.
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