BREAST FEEDING- the first gift from mother to child

A love between mother and her child not only develop after the birth of her child but from the first day of her pregnancy. In making this love stronger breastfeeding plays an important part.

INTRODUCTION:-

Breastfeeding begins within the 1st hour of baby’s life and continues as often and as much as baby wants. During the first few weeks of life, babies may nurse roughly every 2-3 hours. The duration of a feeding is usually 10-15 minutes on each breast.

It decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, asthma, food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes and leukemia.

Mothers may feel pressure to breast feed but in the developed world children generally grow up normally when bottle fed. It delays the return of menstruation and fertility. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. This means that no other food or drink other than vitamin D is given. After starting giving food at 6 months of age, continue breastfeeding until at least 1-2 years of age. Mothers who take certain recreational drugs and medications should not breastfeed. Smoking, alcohol or coffee is not the reason to avoid it.

LACTATION:-

Crying of baby induce a release of oxytocin from pituitary gland which further produces milk.

BREAST MILK:-

It has the optimal balance of fats, sugar, water and proteins. The composition of milk changes depending on how long the baby nurses at each session, as well as child’s age. The 1st type produced during the 1st days after childbirth is called COLOSTRUMeasy to digest although more concentrated than mature milk. Has laxative effect that helps the infant to pass early stools, aiding in the excretion of excess bilirubin, which prevents jaundice. It contains an IgA antibody which works to attack germs. Breast begins producing mature milk around the 3rd-4th day after birth. Foremilk– thinner milk containing many proteins and vitamins. Hindmilk– creamier color and texture because it contains more fat.

PROCESS:-

It can begin immediately after birth. Baby is placed on the mother and feeding starts as soon as the baby shows interest. Skin to Skin contact- kangaroo mother care stimulates breastfeeding behavior in the baby. Immediately placed on mother’s skin has a natural instinct to latch onto the breast and start nursing, typically within the 1st hour of birth.

LOCATION:-

Mother can breastfeed anywhere. Most developed countries doing it in public remains controversial.

POSITION:-

Correct position to prevent nipple soreness and allow the baby to obtain enough milk.

  • FOOTBALL– baby’s legs next to mother’s side with the baby facing the mother.
  • CRADLE or CROSS BODY– hold the mother supports the baby’s head in the crook of her arm.
  • Other positions are recycling and cross over.

In the end, I want to say that LOVE YOUR MOTHER AND RESPECT HER.

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