Just as there is no substitute for the mother's goodness, there is no substitute for the nutritional value of the mother's milk. Mother's milk is the best food and the first gift of nature for babies. Medical science has also recognized that any new infant formula may be close to, but not identical to, breast milk. That's why the first week of August was celebrated as "Breastfeeding Awareness" every year in collaboration with World Health Organization(WHO), World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, and UNICEF to highlight the benefits of breast milk to the public. is, so that information about the benefits of breast milk can be disseminated to all levels.
It has become clear from the latest research that mother's milk is a complete and rich food for the child which is irreplaceable. Immediately after the birth of the baby, the mother's milk (yellow-colored liquid) is called colostrum. The mother's milk has the best nutrition for the baby. This milk contains more specific types of protein than the later-produced milk. It is easily digestible food for the baby and the antibodies present in the milk keep the baby safe from diseases.
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The following are the benefits of breast milk:
Mother's milk makes the baby strong and healthy. It is rich in vitamin A. - Mother's milk contains essential fatty acids, which are important for the development of the brain, eyes, and blood vessels of the newborn.
- The amount of whey protein in the mother's milk is high. This protein contains infection control proteins that protect the baby from infection.
- The proteins present in mother's milk are easily digestible and the possibility of allergy is less.
- Breast milk contains anti-infective factors that protect infants from various diseases.
- Breast milk helps protect babies from diarrhea, respiratory diseases, and ear infections, as well as meningitis and urinary tract infections.
- The mother herself is protected from many diseases by breastfeeding the child, for example, breast cancer, and bone density.
- By drinking the mother's milk, the child feels closer and closer to the mother.
- It helps in strengthening the intestines.
- Rich in nutrients and easily digestible.
- This milk is very clean and its temperature is always suitable.
- If the mother gets any type of infection, the white blood cells in the mother's body are activated and they make antibodies in the mother's body that help control the infection and help in immunity. Some of these antibodies reach the mother's breast and help to protect the baby through milk
More recent research has also revealed that the composition of breast milk also differs between girls and boys.
As the pregnancy period increases, the composition of the mother's milk also changes. That is, if a child is born in the seventh or eighth month, it will be according to the digestive system of the child of that age.
Similarly, as the age of the baby increases, the quantity and thickness of the milk also increase, and it is adapted to the nutritional needs of the baby.
The baby should be given exclusively breast milk for 6 months, but after 6 months, soft foods should also be introduced.
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Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
The benefits of breastfeeding are not only for the baby but also for the mother. - A mother's womb soon returns to its original state.
- This process protects the mother from the life-threatening disease PPH "Post Partum Hemorrhage".
- Breast and ovarian cancer rates are reduced in breastfeeding mothers.
- It is a natural method of family planning.
- It also protects against Postmenopausal Hip Fractures.
- There is no additional financial burden on the parents.
- Breastfeeding gives a sense of satisfaction and happiness to the mother,
- Psychologically the mother also feels very good.
- A robust family system is born in this way.
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Some medical problems
There are often minor medical problems that occur during breastfeeding, which must be understood and addressed.
The baby does not drink milk for a long time or from the end, and sore nipples, pain or swelling in the breast, etc. If the normal delivery is due to complications, surgical delivery, PPH, or any other complications, the mother is admitted to the ICU. If so, the baby can be fed formula milk for a few days with the doctor's advice. Make milk for the baby in the feeder, because there are signs on it, which show the correct way to make milk, but feed it through a spoon so that the baby does not get used to the nipple of the bottle and after a few days, he or she Can drink milk easily directly from mother breast. Similarly, if there are sores on the nipple, the mother should be taught the correct way to breastfeed.
Also, in the meantime, take out breast milk and leave it on the wound, then the wound heals. Breasts become swollen (which is called breast engorgement in medical terms), then breastfeeding becomes very difficult in this condition. Sometimes the swelling causes severe shoulder pain and fever. In this case, soak a towel in lukewarm water and keep it on the breast.
If the mother is suffering from an inverted nipple problem, breastfeeding can be done with a special Roots Natural nipple protector. It also protects your clothes from milk stains and its firm grip helps feed the baby easily, but it is still better to consult a doctor to rule out any medical problem. Correct treatment can be done accordingly.
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The right way to breastfeed.
First-time mothers should know the correct way to breastfeed their babies. In this regard, guidance can be obtained from a physician. Generally, while breastfeeding, keep the baby's head and body on your arm so that he drinks from the right side. The baby's head should be on the arm near the right elbow and the baby's body should be turned towards the mother with the right arm.
Similarly, feeding from the left side, the head and body should be on the left arm, and sit calmly and then feed the baby.
Also note that the dark area around the nipple (areola) should also go into the baby's mouth, as the milk ducts are located in this area. Also, the baby drinks milk when it is full and that is the right way. It is observed that if the baby drinks milk only by taking the nipple in his mouth, he does not get full milk and he cries in worry. Remember, there is no milk in this area and mothers think that the baby is not getting full due to lack of milk. The correct way is to lower the baby's lower lip a little and let the entire part up to the areole go into the mouth, in this way the baby will drink milk on a full stomach. Always breastfeed the baby while sitting.
In the case of surgery, you can feed lying down for a few days, but it is better to breastfeed sitting while leaning on a support so that the baby's respiratory tract and ears are protected because often the milk is likely to go to the baby's ears. which can affect the baby's hearing. You can also take the help of a pillow to breastfeed the baby by keeping it on your lap. Pillows also make it easier to position your baby when they start getting bigger. they also get heavier so you won't have to hold all the weight in your arms. C-section mommies have also sought a lot of comfort in nursing pillows because it allows them to sit or lay comfortably while breastfeeding.
If for some reason the delivery is premature or the baby is weak at birth, then the mother should feed her own milk as there is no better food. Gives, therefore, periodically express milk through the Breast Pump, so that the nutrition is full, while the amount of spoon feeding can also be gradually increased. Another important thing is that when the mother breastfeeds the baby, The early milk is thin, which quenches thirst, while the hind milk is thick, in which more proteins and fats are found, so if you change the side and breastfeed quickly, then the baby Only thin milk will provide So breastfeed from one side for long enough to feel empty. Then feed from the other side.
That's all for Breastfeeding I m sure it will help you