Just as there is no substitute of mother’s

love,
as there is no substitute of mother’s milk

B
 BREAST FEEDING

Introduction

“Just as there is no substitute of mother’s love, as there is no

substitute of mother’s milk. Soon after birth baby need nutrition that is

provided by breast feeding.

Breast feeding is a process of giving breast milk to the babies from

her breasts. During the first 6 months of life infants should be exclusively

breast feed means that a healthy baby should receive only breast milk and no

other fluid.

According to Tegore:- The nature has designed the provision that infants be

fed upon their mother’s milk. They find their feed and mother at the same

time. It is the complete nourishment for them both for their body and soul.

According to Neeraj sethi:-

B - Best for Baby

R - Reduces incidence of allergies

E - Economical- no waste

A - Antibodies, greater immunity against infections.

S - Stool inoffensive- never constipated.

T - Temperature always correct and constant.

F - Fresh milk- never goes sour in the breast.

E - Emotionally Bonding

E - Easy once established

D - Digested easily within two to three hours

I - Immediately available

N - Nutritionally balanced

G - Gastro enteritis greatly reduced.

Breast feeding is quite easy and can be easily practiced by the mothers as

breast milk is usually sterile and available at adequate temperature.

“Mother’s milk, time tested for millions of years, is the best nutrient

for the baby because its natures perfect food.”

Robert’s Mendelsohn

Human milk is the best option for nutrition upto one year of age.

Breast milk consists of a number of micronutrients that are bioavailable,

means these nutrients are available in qualities and quantities that make

them easily digestable for the newborn and absorbed for energy and growth.

The two vital consideration for the infants in tropical countries are breast

feeding and avoidance of infection.

 PICTURE – 1

BREAST FEEDING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DELIVERY MAKES THE

“BONDING” OF THE MOTHER TO HER INFANT
 “A new born has only 3 demands They are – warmth in the arms of

its mother, food from its breast and security in the knowledge of her

presence.” Breast feeding satisfies all three.”

Grantly Dick Read

Breast feeding immediately after delivery makes the “bonding” of the

mother to her infant, which has important emotional benefits for both and

helps to secure the child’s place within the family. Breast feeding provides

physiological and physiological benefits for both mother and child. It creates

emotional bonds, and has been known to reduce rates of infant

abandonment.

“ It is only in the act of nursing that a woman realizes her

motherhood in visible and tangible fashion, it’s a joy of every moment.”

Honore De Balzac

While giving breast feeding, the mother should be prepared

psychologically. The mother should be in a comfortable position. The

mother who has had a cesarean birth needs support during giving breast

feeding to the baby. Feeding in the sitting position, the mother holds the

baby in an upright position on her lap the baby’s head on her forearm on the

same side close to her breasts, the mark is slightly extended. The infant’s
mouth is wide open and chin touches the breast. The nipple an areola into

baby’s mouth for effective milk transfer proper positioning for milk transfer

is chest to chest contact of the infant and mother. The mother hold her breast

with her thumb placed on the upper portion of the breast and fingers cupped

under the breast.

PICTURE – 2

CORRECT ATTACHMENT OF THE BABY TO MOTHER’S BREAST

Incorrect positioning is one of the main reasons for unsuccessful feeding and

can easily cause pain in the nipple or breast. Difficulties which can cause

problems in feeding are poor sucking reflex, poor stamina, medical

conditions such as cleft palate, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, premature babies,

breathing difficulties often by a common cold, swallowing difficulties.

Medical conditions of the mother also cause difficulties during breast

feeding are history of breast surgery or infections, cancer, chemotherapy

treatments, active untreated tuberculosis.

So, breast feeding saves the life of baby, about 6 millions babies are

saved from the infectious diseases. It provides an initial immunization,

because first milk (colostrums) contains anti- bacterial and antiviral agents

that protect the infant against diseases especially diarrhea. Breast feeding

provides complete and perfect nutrition that is more easily digested than the

substitute. It provides all the nutrients and water needed by a healthy infant

during the first 6 months of life.

 PICTURE – 3

BREAST FEEDING POSITION