Breastfeeding – Boon for Generations
Breastfeeding is the most natural gift that a mother can give her baby. Certainly, breastfed babies are best fed babies. Breastfeeding is natural and instinctive.
The importance of breastfeeding has been accepted worldwide based on scientific as well as psycho-social research and observations. The World Health Organization (WHO) and many other experts encourage women to breastfeed for as long as possible, one year or even longer. Even religious scriptures recommend mothers to breastfeed their children. Holy Qura’n has made it mandatory for Muslim women to give suck to their off-springs for a maximum period of two years.
New Born baby needs such a food that is free from all infections. The mother’s milk is the answer. Breastfeeding provides physical contact, warmth and closeness which helps to create a special bond between mother and her baby. It fosters a close physical and emotional contact of child with mother.
The mothers need to learn about breastfeeding. The obstetrician, pediatrician, gynaecologist, pre-natal instructors and lactation consultants help expected mothers to learn about breastfeeding techniques. For the first few weeks after birth until breastfeeding is well established, breastfed new borns should not be given any supplements like water, sugar water and feed formula unless there is a medical reason for it. Regular breastfeeding provides all of water and nutrients to the child.
Ideally, all the babies should be exclusively breastfed for first 6 months of life. Most breastfed babies do not need any water, vitamins or iron in addition to breast-milk for at least the first six months.
It costs nothing to make human milk though the lactating mother needs additional 550 calories per day to maintain lactation and her own health. There is no perfect substitute to breastfeeding. In contrast to formula feeds, breast milk is sweet as it contains lactose which is sweeter. Proportion of fat in other milk preparations is same but fat globules in animal milk are more difficult to digest. Formula feeds are expensive and always not within everyone’s budget. In addition, sterilization of feeder and nipples is an additional problem. Improper sterilization often leads to severe gastro-enteritis in the babies, which is an important cause of morbidity, and mortality in the first year of life.
During the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy, woman’s body is capable of producing milk. This first milk, called Colostrum, continues to be produced for some days after delivery until mature milk comes in. The milk then thins, becomes milk-like in colour and begins to adjust to the baby’s needs for the rest of the time. One of the special qualities of human milk is that it changes during the time woman nurse her baby to match the changing needs of growing infant. Baby’s nursing controls milk production. The more a woman nurses her child, the more milk will be produced by her body through the stimulation of hormone called Prolactin.
Nature’s creation, mother’s milk does not need to be prepared and is free from contamination and adulteration. Available at desired temperature, the human milk provides all the protein, sugar, fat and vitamins needed for well being of a child. The American Academy
Research also suggests that breastfeeding may help to protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Its composition is ideal for easy digestion. The type of fats and proteins present in it are easily digestible. The carbohydrates contain mainly lactose which stimulates the growth of micro-organisms, which in turn, help to produce organic acids necessary for synthesis of vitamin B. The mineral contents like potassium, calcium and sodium make it a low osmotic load so that less burden falls vitamin-D, which protects the baby against rickets (bone disease).
By virtue of its anti-infective properties, the breastfed babies have a low incidence of mortality. Mother’s milk provides passive immunity to the baby as it contains protective anti-bodies like IgA & IgM. There is reduced risk of eczema and milk allergy in breastfed infants. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop obesity, hypertension and diseases related to old age.
Breastfeeding burns more calories and helps women get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. It reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and in pre-menopausal women, breast cancer. It builds bone strength to protect against bone fractures in older age. As opposed to the conventionally held view, breastfeeding promotes better figure of mother because fat reserves laid down during pregnancy are consumed during lactation.
Lactating mothers should avoid colas and other carbonated drinks. Too much caffeine can cause problems such as poor sleeping, nervousness, irritability and poor feeding. The breastfeeding mother should avoid all those foods and other eatables which will cause any kind of allergy to child. The health experts advocate continuing breastfeeding even during illnesses. In all cases of illnesses like Mastitis and Breast Abscess medical advice is needed from doctors.
Any introduction to baby foods, iron or fluoride supplements, needs consultation of paediatrician. Working mothers in western countries go for storage of expressed milk (milk drawn from breasts), which is later fed to a child through bottle or a cup. In addition the offices should be provided with crèches within premises so that mothers can breastfeed their children at properly timed intervals.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development recently released "National Guidelines On Infant & Young Child Feeding" and "The Law To Protect, Promote & Support Breastfeeding". They focus on essential awareness of the dangers involved in neglecting breastfeeding and problems of malnutrition to the child. The step is aimed at empowering mothers with accurate information on sound infant feeding practices.
The District Authorities, Medical Colleges, Training Institutions, Food & Nutrition Board besides State governments and NGOs organize special programmes to promote optimal feeding practices with special emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding. UNICEF and WHO also play their part in strengthening the campaign.
The media needs to play a more pro-active role in disseminating the benefits of breastfeeding. The print as well as electronic media make everyone of the society aware of it. Besides, the State governments, NGOs and other voluntary groups have paramount responsibility to make efforts in this regard so that coming generations all over the world will be physically, mentally, psychologically and emotionally strong and healthy.
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