International Breastfeeding Week is celebrated all over the world in the first week of August. From 1st August to 7th August. Various activities are held in medical institutions, social sector and private health facilities to reiterate the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. The Word Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) gives a new theme every year to promote and support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a natural instinct of all mammals and it is so because
breastmilk is the best and the most optimal nutrient for the newborn. There are
many benefits of breastfeeding to the baby, to mother, to family, to society
and to nation.
For the baby, breast milk meets all the dietary requirements of the
newborn, Breastmilk is not just milk, it is a living liquid which has cells
which carry immunogenic properties and protect the baby from various
infections. The maternal antibodies are transferred to baby both before birth
through placenta and later through breast milk to keep the baby safe till his
or her immunity becomes robust. The first milk called ‘colostrum’ is rich in
immunoglobulins and acts like a vaccine for the baby. Hence it must always be
given.
Ideal time to start breastfeeding is within one hour of birth. To
achieve this,newborn immediately after being born is put on mother’s abdomen in
skin to skin contact. This helps baby to transit from intrauterine to extra uterine
life and also baby can take the first feed at this time.
Breastmilk also contains very important amino-acids namely DHA and
phospholipids which help in maturation of brain and also are essential for
psychomotor development of the baby.
A healthy happy baby is a delight for the whole family and being breast fed there is no expense on formula milk and repeated hospitalization.
Breastfeeding helps the mother in many ways. It helps the uterus to contract and checks bleeding after delivery, it creates a special maternal-child bonding which is crucial for growth and neurodevelopment of the baby. It also inculcates confidence in the mother that she can look after her baby in the best possible fashion. Breast fed babies grow up to be healthy and smart citizens who are a valuable asset for the society and nation.
Exclusive breast feeding should
be continued for 6 months for optimum growth of the baby. Then complimentary
feeds should be started and breastfeeding continued for 2 years.
It is advised to continue breast feeding even if mother has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Mother must practice hand hygiene and ear mask before breast feeding. If mother is not able to breast feed , then expressed mother’s milk can be given to baby with cup and spoon.
The Government of India has brought in the Indian Milk Substitute Act(IMS) from 1999 which makes it illegal for milk substitutes to be sold with misleading pictures and messages. Also the promotion of such products is banned during medical conferences.
The theme for this year is –‘
Step up for breastfeeding- Educate and Support’
We
should all join in this crusade of promoting and supporting breastfeeding to
ensure a healthy and safe childhood for our young generation.
Dr
Harvinder Palaha
Paediatrician
and Neonatologist
Holy
Family Hospital
Mumbai
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