Embracing motherhood, after passing through a long journey of nine-months, is not easy. And we understand that, becoming a mother involves a lot of pain, compromises and sacrifices.

But, with your mewling little one in your arms, you feel like you’ve been rewarded after winning the huge pregnancy challenge.

Well! Now that you are a new mom to your new-born, all that you can ever think of is about your baby’s health and well-being.

Therefore, according to the experts’ advice and your doctor’s recommendation, breastmilk, is the most natural source of nutrient for your baby.

However, breastfeeding, which is the most natural method of feeding your baby, has seemingly endless benefits both for you and your baby.

Continue reading this engaging article, as we harp on the advantages of breastfeeding, for you and your baby, this breastfeeding week:

How is Your Baby Benefitted From Breastfeeding?

Healthcare professionals from the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months to 1 year or even longer than that. After all, breast milk is:

A Good Source of Nutrition

Secretion of a thick and yellowish fluid known as colostrum from your breast milk, after your baby’s birth turns out to be the ideal first milk for your baby. It fulfils the protein-requirement for the infant and helps in developing the new-born’s immature digestive tract. But, as the baby grows up, and you start producing more milk, it fills up the baby’s carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals requirements.

Boosts the Baby’s Immunity

The nutrient-dense colostrum, is also packed with immunoglobulin A (lgA) and several other antibodies, which helps the baby in combating against certain viruses and bacteria, harming his or her immunity. Going deeper, however, the immunoglobulin A (lgA) forms a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat and digestive system, thus strengthening the immunity and preventing the baby from falling sick. In fact, many breastfed babies have very little ear infections and respiratory problems.

Helps the Baby in Gaining Healthy Weight

Studies have supported that; breastmilk is teeming with bacteria helps in colonising your infant’s gut and nourishes the baby’s microbiome. Nevertheless, breastfeeding the baby continuously for 4 months, and even after that, significantly reduces your baby’s chance of being overweight.

Makes the Baby Smart

Research has it that, due to physical touch, and eye contact while breastfeeding, your baby might seem to have long-term brain development, with no behavioural and learning problems.

But, it’s not just your baby, who’s enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding, you are equally benefitted.

How Are You Benefitted From Breastfeeding?

Through Breastfeeding, you can establish an emotional connection with your baby, immediately. Basically, nursing your baby releases oxytocin and prolactin hormones, thus sharing a sense of love and care with your baby. These oxytocin hormones, at same time, encourages uterine contraction and reduces uterine bleeding, after you’ve delivered your baby, thus returning it to its pre-pregnancy size.

Most importantly, breastfeeding lowers the risk of deadly diseases like breast and ovarian cancer and helps in burning those extra kilos, earned during pregnancy.

There’s no denying that being a new mother, breastfeeding your new-born is one of the most cherished moments of your life. With the physical and emotional benefits, breastfeeding becomes one of the best choices, unless you cannot do it due to certain health or medical condition.

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Ginger, with its medicinal properties, is known to aid indigestion and saliva flow, therefore keeping the morning sickness and vomiting absolutely under control, during the first trimester of a pregnant mother.

But, once the baby pops out, and a new mom undergoes several changes – both physically and emotionally, she very often wants to know, if consuming ginger, will be beneficial for her and her baby. 

Let’s find out:  

Benefits of Ginger During Breastfeeding

Ginger, which is made up of 400 different compounds like terpenes, phenolics, phytosterols, etc benefits the nursing mum is various ways:

Ginger Acts As a Pain Reliever

A new-mom, after the delivery of her baby, doesn’t go back to normalcy immediately. She will have to endure a few headaches, muscle aches, pains and cramps for a few months. Having ginger baked into cookies or bread or topped on as salad dressing can be really helpful for a new mother. After all, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties in it. And it helps in relieving pain that a new-mum goes through.   

Ginger Battles Nausea and Indigestion

Post-delivery a nursing mother has to battle with a series of discomforts like gassiness, constipated, dizzy and nauseous, just like her pregnancy days. Studies have shown that, adding a considerable portion of ginger in the daily diet can keep these discomforts at bay.

Ginger Helps in Boosting the Immunity

Since time immemorial, the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of ginger have been helpful in warding off the infections that can cause cold, flu, fever and inflammations. As far as a new mother is concerned, after the delivery of her baby, her immune system is compromised, thus making her susceptible to the above-mentioned problems. She is, in fact prone to cold, flu, fever and other kinds of infections. And, consuming ginger, will play a vital role in boosting a nursing mother’s immunity and keeping her body warm.

Ginger Boosts the Breast Milk Production

Although there’s not much evidence found about the effectiveness of ginger in boosting the milk supply in a breastfeeding mother, however a study from 2016 indicated that, ginger is a form of a galactagogue and consuming it can stimulate breast milk production.  

But, Having Ginger in Moderation Is The Key!

We just talked about the various health benefits of ginger, however there’s a saying that, “Too much of anything is bad”.

An overdose of ginger can lead to diarrhoea, heartburn, abdominal problems, throat irritation and several other health condition in a new mother.

Moreover, during delivery, a new mum faces a significant blood loss, therefore consuming ginger in large amounts, should be restricted.

To Conclude

If you’re new mother and you are on lookout for that “magical” quotient to curb, the bodily discomforts, ginger should be the answer to your prayers. However, do consult your doctor as he able to tell you, how you may include ginger in your diet and in what quantity.

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As we all know, pregnancy is a life-altering event. When looking into the mirror, you may notice that your skin is glowing. You may also find a newfound admiration for your body. However, out of all these changes, the most pleasant is getting a break from your periods. This could last for nine whole months, making you forget all about those dreaded period cramps.

Still, after giving birth, you may want to know when your menstrual cycle goes back to normal. A lot changes after pregnancy, and that’s the case with your periods as well. So, expect to be surprised.

When Will My Period Return?

Your periods will most probably return about six to eight weeks after you give birth. If you are breastfeeding, then it may take longer for your periods to return. If breast milk is your baby’s only source of nourishment, then you will not get periods as long as you are breastfeeding. In other cases, periods should return after a couple of months, regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or not.

If your periods return sooner than expected, avoid using tampons to give your body enough time to heal.

Why Do Breastfeeding Women Get Their Periods Later Than Usual?

Hormones play a significant role in deciding when your period comes back. Prolactin, the hormone that is essential for the production of breast milk, can suppress reproductive hormones. This stops your body from ovulating. This means you most likely won’t menstruate.

Will Period Affect Your Breast Milk?  

Once your menstrual cycle kicks in, you will notice some changes. Apart from the decrease in milk supply, your baby’s reaction to the milk will also seem different. This usually happens because of hormonal changes. From the composition of your breast milk to how it tastes to your baby, hormones have a considerable impact. However, this in no way impacts your baby’s ability to breastfeed.

What About Birth Control?

Did you know breastfeeding can double as birth control? It is highly unlikely for you to get pregnant if you are engaging in exclusive breastfeeding. By exclusive, we mean that no fluids or solids should be given to the baby. If breastfeeding is not exclusive, then it may not protect you against unexpected pregnancy.

For this method to work, you also need to keep a close eye on your periods. If your period starts, then you are probably ovulating, and that may lead to pregnancy.

The best course of action is to ask your doctor to prescribe safe and effective birth control methods.

How Will Your Periods Differ After Pregnancy?

Giving birth to a baby is a harrowing experience for your body. This is why your body will take some time to adjust to menstruation and may lead to the following changes:

∙   You may experience stronger cramps

∙   You may have to deal with small blood clots

∙   You will notice a heavier flow

∙  You may experience more pain

∙  You may have to deal with an irregular cycle length

Returning to your menstrual cycles after a hiatus of nine months is going to be tricky. As you already know, your body has been pushed to its limits. So, it will take a while before your period goes back to its routine.

Needless to say, if the changes seem problematic, then get professional help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. With that in mind, listen to your body and take care of yourself.

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You already have so many questions about your newborn. Now the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on so many more – Can mothers with the virus breastfeed? Will the breast milk contain the virus? Can it get transferred to my newborn while breastfeeding? This article answers all your questions.

Your baby gets a lot of nutrition from breast milk. So, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s natural for new mommies to want to breastfeed their babies. The good news is that breastfeeding is still safe. Studies* haven’t found the presence of the virus in breast milk, so it cannot be transferred to your baby that way. Moreover, other studies^ have found that with the right precautions, even mothers with the virus are unlikely to transmit it to their newborns through breastfeeding.

So, What are the Precautions That You Need to Take?

The virus spreads through droplets in the air. Keeping that in mind, mothers and those around the newborn need to follow these guidelines:

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands before touching your baby has always been a good practice. Given the current pandemic, you need to follow this even more strictly. It doesn’t matter if you’ve gone outdoors or not. Make it a practice to wash your hands even before you handle any baby items like bottles, clothes, diapers and bedspreads.

Wear a Mask

If you are showing some symptoms of being infected by the virus, you must wear a mask while breastfeeding your baby, holding, changing or even talking to your baby. You can wear a mask even if you don’t have any symptoms too. While it may seem uncomfortable, remember that it will help protect your child against the virus.

Regularly Disinfect

Use an alcohol-based disinfectant to wipe all the surfaces you often touch, as the virus can survive on some surfaces for up to 72 hours. So, make sure to clean countertops and changing tables too. Your baby’s clothes and bottles also need to be sterilised or disinfected after every use.

Use a Breast Pump

If you do have some symptoms of the virus, you can choose to pump your breast milk and have a family member feed your baby. This way, there’s no chance of transmission between the two of you. Before using the breast pump, make sure you wash your hands and clean any area of the skin that the breast pump will touch.

Keep a Box of Formula Ready

You don’t want to be caught off guard in case you do contract the virus. This way, your baby can continue his/her feeds without any interruption.

What If I Contract the Virus?

Firstly, contact your doctor who will understand the severity of the infection, and accordingly direct you. Some medication could slow down milk production, so your doctor will take that into account as well. If you have severe symptoms of the virus, it’s advised that you don’t breastfeed. Preserve your energy to help your body fight off the virus. You can turn to formula milk to ensure that your baby continues to get sufficient nutrients.

While most health experts have advised that breastfeeding is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, remember that the virus itself is new, and a lot more research is needed. So, you must always take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your baby safe. If you have contracted the virus, or have come in contact with someone with COVID-19, please consult your doctor immediately.

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Yes, breastfeeding! Often spoken as an emotional and mental connection only between a mother and a new born.

But, is breastfeeding all about a mother and a child? What about you fathers?

All the new “daddies” on the block! You have a big role to play too, when your wife is breastfeeding your new little munchkin.

You can be that all required support in your wife’s journey towards breastfeeding your child.

So, from bathing your baby to cuddling the little one to sleep, know, how you can help your wife, while she is breastfeeding.

Learn About Breastfeeding For Your Wife

Breastfeeding may not always be quick, easy and comfortable for your wife. Many a times during the early days and weeks, your wife might question her decision to breastfeed, especially when she is struggling or feeling deprived of sleep. This is when you need to step in. Tell her that she is doing a beautiful job. And remind her that, by breastfeeding she is giving the ultimate gift of health and immunity to the baby.

Take Care of Your Wife

For new and first-time moms, breastfeeding sessions may be strenuous as it may last longer than 10 minutes to an hour and she might have to give 8 to 10 feeds a day. Feeding the baby so many times in a day will make her feel hungry, very thirsty and exhausted. So, one of the best ways you can ensure that your baby is getting all that he needs, is to see to the needs of the mom.

Why not take charge of the waking baby while she is getting ready to breastfeed again? Bring her a pillow or a footstool and help her settle in her favourite nursing position.

Energise her with lots of fruits and vegetables.  Give her plenty of drinking water to quench her thirst. You may not be a master chef, but if possible, cook for her now and give her that much needed break from some of the daily household chaos.

Take care of her. With your help, your wife will be able to focus on breastfeeding your child without any worries.

Make Your wife’s Night-feeds Happy

It may be the dead of the night, and the baby has shown signs of hunger by crying really loud. Let your wife not move an inch! You wake up! Take this opportunity to bring the baby to your wife on the bed so that she can breastfeed. Once she has fed the child, make him burp, change his nappies, and caress him back to sleep. This is surely going to melt her heart, while you might just get a chance to connect with your baby.

Change The Baby Diapers

You have often observed that, your baby falls asleep while nursing. If you are around, choose to change the nappies or diapers of the baby before another round of breastfeeding takes place so that, your baby is clean to suck and sleep peacefully.

Bathe the Baby

Once your baby has nursed his fill, let your wife take rest and you can take over. Give your baby a warm bath. Unlike his mother, you may not have that umbilical cord connection with your baby, but this “skin-to-skin” moment can be extremely soothing for both of you. Remember that, a powerful cocktail of “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” is released during this touch, helping to build that eternal bond with your little one.

Mom Needs that Extra Nutrition

The new mommy will need to eat something extra – around 500 calories more per day* or add some extra vitamins to her food. Therefore, always remember to take extra care of her daily nutrition intake which will contribute towards her health and well-being as well as that of your child’s.

Keep Supporting and Bonding

In this era, where there is no gender-specification in any field, baby-rearing should not also be one parent’s responsibility. Remember, the best gift that you can ever give to your family, is your love, care and time.

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Nursing a newborn baby is a difficult task and you must be very careful while feeding your baby. Do not worry. We are here to help you with some of the tips for breastfeeding your li’l one.

Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth

Cuddle your baby over your chest. When you and your child are attached to the skin, the reflexes of the production of milk and the baby’s feeling are initiated. This implies that the child will begin looking for the breast and more milk are produced from breasts. In the first hour after conception, babies are often more interested in breastfeeding. Stay with your child skin to skin after a good breastfeed. This will assist keep the child hot and decrease stress, assisting both of you to heal from childhood.

Gap of Breastfeeding

Whenever Baby seems starving or cries, offer your breast milk. This could be every two hours, or even more frequently in the first few weeks. If a baby sleeps up to four hours and it  is under the age of 6 weeks, wake up the baby for feeding.

Timespan of Feeding

Many  mothers may wonder how much is needed for breastfeeding. Some children feed rapidly and take 10 or 15 minutes to complete. Others sleep in between  breastfeeding and need to be awakened, expanding the feeding time to 40 minutes. But breastfeeding is an issue for less than 10 minutes or more than 40 minutes; test for indications that Baby is truly receiving milk. Look for the sucking of milk or wet diapers.

Get Comfortable

As you are going to spend some amount of time holding the baby closer, you must be sitting in a supported position. It will help you to get comfortable and you can feed your baby for a longer period.

Let The Baby Find Their Position

While breastfeeding allows your baby to find the best position for them to get feed. You must pay attention to this position and this will help to give comfort as well as make it easier for the baby while feeding.

Leaking Milk is Normal

Don’t get conscious about the leaking of milk during the first few weeks as it is normal. It generally happens whenever the baby cries or when you think more about your baby.

Caring Of The Skin As the skin of your breasts is very delicate you must take care of your skin. During breastfeeding, your skin might become dry, cracked and you may feel irritation. So you must take proper precautions during this period.

Sufficient Milk

Do not worry about the production of the milk because it depends upon the need of the baby. The sucking of the little baby will stimulate the release of prolactin hormone. This helps in the further stimulation of milk production.

Although we had mentioned some tips about breastfeeding, you must remember that every baby is different. So you must consult with a lactation consultant and you will get proper help regarding your baby’s behavior of feeding the breastmilk.

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Nutritionists always suggest that breast milk is the best food for baby. However, breastfeeding completely depends upon the mother. If there are any kind of complications that can cause harm to the mother, then only the doctor suggest mother for bottle feeding of your baby.

Breastfeeding will give your baby the benefit of getting all the essential nutrients that your baby will need. Also, breast milk is a natural resource that is easy to digest for your baby.

By the help of breastfeeding, you are providing your baby the exact amount of nutrient that is needed. In addition, while you are breastfeeding it becomes a very special time to build an intimate loving bond between you and your baby through touch, smell, and vision. So, for creating a bond the baby must stay most of the time with the mother and breastfeeding is the best way.

There are many mothers who would prefer to feed their babies with baby food bought from the market. The reason is that they believe their children will grow stronger and smarter. This observable fact can be seen in the proliferation of infant milk products currently available in the market. Also, the advertisement claims that milk products are beneficial for babies. This shows the lucrativeness of the business of the infant formula industry.

However, for babies, breast milk is best because it contains exactly the nutrients that a baby needs. It is also easily digestible and used for the growth and development of the baby’s body. It also contains colostrum or glycans of human milk, the entero-mammary immune system that protects the baby from infections. Colostrum contains antibodies and is useful for the baby as the human milk protects the innate immune system. In addition, breast milk later in life reduces the risk of various diseases such as middle ear infections or eczema.

Your body will naturally produce colostrum during pregnancy; this is known as the first milk for the baby. Colostrum is a thick, rich, yellowish fluid that helps protect your child from infection. It also helps the baby to pass the first stool (meconium) as the colostrum has a mild laxative effect. This excretes the waste product of red blood cells called bilirubin and helps prevent jaundice.

Not only is breast milk best for babies, but breastfeeding is also benefit for mothers. Study shows that after giving birth breastfeeding reduces the incidence of bleeding among mothers. It can also help in osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and reduce women’s risk of cancer.

In addition to all above benefits, while feeding breast milk, there is no need to sterilize bottles and prepare packaged milk for breastfeeding. Taking baby out on trips is easy and you don’t have to worry about packing a bag with formula and bottles. It is easier to feed on demand as your breast milk is available immediately and at the right temperature at all times. For night feeds, breastfeeding your baby is less disruptive to your routine. By bringing the baby to your side will be helpful for both the baby and the mother.

Finally, it can be concluded that breastfeeding is a better method to feed a baby and also it helps the mother to remain healthy.

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If we had to choose between the natural and the artificial, undisputed, we lean towards the natural product unless the artificial one has undeniable properties. Nature has equipped womankind with ready made milk when they give birth to their child. Probably, this was nothing but the only option early humans. Since there was no rearing of cattle or no scope to feed the infant with formula milk, the breast milk was nothing but necessary and so was it rewarded to women. But with the generations passing by, humans became more civilized and discovered and invented many things to make their lives comfortable. Alternative sources of milk thus became extensively popular and a source of debate while attracting criticism.

There had been extensive distribution of literature on the benefits of breastfeeding for ages and it is an apparent fact that all the women want to feed their child with this exclusive food source meant only for their offspring. However, due to work commitments, health reasons or time clashes, many of them are unable to feed their younger ones.
It has been considered for years that mothers and babies enter into a special bond while the baby is being fed. However, mothers who feed their infants with formula milk can build a stronger bond too with their care giving and affection. Keeping the debate aside, many pediatric academics globally suggest feeding the baby for at least 6 months with breast milk exclusively and for one year with top foods.

Let us understand the benefits of both breast milk and bottle milk to let women choose the option that they are comfortable with.

Benefits for the baby:

• As we all know that breast milk provides the necessary nutrients to the baby as it is customized according to the baby’s age and requirement.
• The natural milk protects the baby from infections and they are less likely to be hospitalized. The mother’s milk builds immunity system for the lifetime by strengthening the immune system.
• Mothers pass antibodies to the baby while feeding which help building up a protective wall against many diseases.
• It is easy to digest and lessens the chance for the baby to fall sick due to indigestion issues. Colic, constipation and diarrhea are less likely when compared to formula fed babies.

Benefits for mothers:

• Nursing is much easier when compared to feeding with formula milk. Sterilizing bottles is a pain. Preparation time is saved as mother’s milk is ready made.
• Women who breastfeed have lesser chances of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancers.
• The women who breastfeed have faster recovery post delivery and their uterus goes back to normalcy within six weeks thereby helping the mother to lose the baby weight as they lose many calories while feeding.
• Breastfeeding can be used as a natural contraception method under some stipulated guidelines which is popularly known as Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).

Adverse elements of breastfeeding:

• Sore nipples initially trouble many women who start off breastfeeding.
• While breastfeeding, it is hard to understand whether the baby had enough milk or not as it cannot be measured unlike the formula feed.
• Breastfed babies require more frequent nursing episodes than the formula fed babies and hence this can be considered as a time consuming task and may be a hindrance to working mothers.
• Bottle feeding is more convenient when you are in public places.
• Nursing mothers need to take care of their diet as good nutrition helps them in producing healthier milk. They should avoid smoking drinking and substance intake.

With the established factors, it is upto the mothers to decide on the effective method of feeding that is in the best interest of their child after considering the entire circumstances surrounding them. Since both the methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, any method chosen should be trusted as the best source for the child.

Sources:
https://www.livescience.com/51260-breast-vs-bottle.html
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/breast-feeding-as-birth-control-topic-overview

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Although it is a mother’s responsibility to feed a child, nature has still equipped us with an internal feeding resource with amazing properties which cater to nutrition for life time and we all know what that resource is. We have proven facts that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants not only in humans but in all mammals.  Despite the experts suggestions to feed the babies breastmilk for 6 months, few enthusiastic mothers prefer to add external semi-solid diet from the fourth month onwards. Instead of getting into the debate of when to start the baby food, let us understand what a baby food should comprise of. It is also important to know the correct source between homemade baby food and store bought food.

As long as the infant has meager activities, the breastmilk or formula was sufficient. However, with a progression in the child’s activities, additional nutrition is also required especially in the first year for necessary growth and bone development. Eating capabilities also increase in a baby with the months passing by and parents should start accommodating the necessary solids in a child’s diet.

Why Is It Necessary To Make Homemade Baby Food?

Though a lot of effort is involved in making baby food at home, it has deserving benefits.

Affordable and Economic

If the food is made in various batches by preserving additional units for later, the homemade stuff undoubtedly saves money as there is a huge price difference between these two foods.

Nutritious

You are the one who decide what to include in your baby food and what not thereby having complete control on what the baby consumes. This result in feeding the infant with nutritious food free of preservatives, sodium fillers, food grade dyes etc. which are not necessary for them and are not nutritious as well. Children who are vulnerable for allergies are safe.

Too Many Options

As pediatricians suggest acquainting all the foods to a baby that adults eat by the ninth month, we get a lot of options to try habituating to the child. You don’t have to settle down with the limited options in the baby food available in the market. Instead, you can mix up multiple ingredients to make the meal wholesome and tasty.

Which Is The Better Choice Between Homemade and Store Bought Food?

Many numbers of children from ages have been dwelling on the store bought infant food and you are still a mother undoubtedly if you have decided to avoid making food from scratch. There are merits and demerits to both the foods and you are the one to decide which a better choice is for your baby. In fact, you can opt for both by preparing some fruit purees at home and getting store bought food for the days when you are really low. Either which ways, you are emphasizing on the importance of nutrition before you get some food.

Many working mothers find it extremely convincing to balance the child’s nutrition and the work pressures by opting both the foods. Potato purees, fresh fruits smoothies, vegetable juices etc. are the best ideas to make at home. Use whole ingredients while making homemade food as it can help nourish the child. The store bought cereals are ready made and are instant for mixing and consuming on busy days. However, be wary of the ingredients of the store bought food and opt for a whole meal instead of foods using fillers. These fillers make the baby put on necessary weight but contain meager nutrition.

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Pregnancy is the best time to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding so that you can give your baby a healthy start in life. Knowing what to expect will help you make the decision to breastfeed and make it easier to get through the rough patches.

Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for newborns as it contains everything your baby needs to grow. It has just the right combination of protein, vitamins, fat and is easy on the baby’s immature digestive system. It also contains antibodies that help your baby fight common illnesses like ear infections, colds, etc. No wonder breastfed babies tend to get sick much lesser. Breastfeeding is good for the mother too. The hormones released during breastfeeding help the mother’s body recover from childbirth and make the uterus contract back to its pre pregnancy size.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6months of the baby’s life after which nutritious solid foods must be introduced. Breastfeeding can be continued beyond the 6 month mark, alongside complementary foods, for as long as is desired by mother and baby.

It takes about 3 to 4 days for breast milk to come in and most new moms have similar questions when they start their breastfeeding journey. How much milk does my baby need? Am I making enough? The good news is that babies do not need much during the first couple of days.  As days go by your baby’s demand will go up and so will your supply.  You can tell if your baby is getting enough and feeding well if,

• Your baby wets 6 to 8 diapers a day
• He seems settled after a feed
• Your breasts get soft after the baby feeds
• Your baby unlatches on his own
• Your baby is putting on weight

It is essential that both mother and baby are comfortable during the feed. Poor latching and incorrect positions can make it uncomfortable and difficult to continue breastfeeding for 6 long months. Sore nipples, excessive back pain and general discomfort during feeds can discourage a new mother. Work on establishing a good latch with the help of experienced moms or a lactation consultation. There are many positions and holds like the cradle hold, football hold and reclining position. Finding a position that works for both you and your baby will go a long way in making your breastfeeding journey comfortable.

Priya, first time mother of a healthy 9month old says, “I almost gave up on breastfeeding when I had to go back to work 3 months after my little one was born. That’s when I turned to the breast pump.” Pumping breast milk has become a common practice amongst mothers. Mothers need not have to stop breastfeeding when direct breastfeeding becomes infeasible.

However, if for any reason you are not able to breastfeed in spite of your best efforts, fret not as there are alternatives.  Speak to your healthcare provider about it.

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The most beautiful sight to behold is that of a mother lovingly breastfeeding her infant while the baby suckles on her nipple and gazes back at her. It is a moment that seems locked in time – both mother and child are in a cocoon of their own, with no need for anyone else. Indeed, a woman that breastfeeds her child need not offer the baby any other form of nourishment – the breast milk is replete with every nutrient that the baby needs at that stage of life.

Yet, breastfeeding is often saddled with opposing popular thoughts based on cultural notions and beliefs. Some women are hesitant to breastfeed during pregnancy, believing that they are diverting essential nutrients from the child growing in their womb to the child suckling at their breast. Other cultures believe that feeding a child is a collective responsibility and that the mother must not take sole charge of it.

The Benefits of Breast Milk and Breastfeeding

Doctors across he world recommend that infants be exclusively fed on breast milk at least for the first six months of their lives. This is because breast milk provides the baby with all the water and nutrient content that they need to develop immunity and grow well. Amongst the biggest benefits of breastfeeding are that necessary nutrients are provided to the baby, the baby gets a barrier against sickness, infections and allergies, the milk has no side effects and it helps the baby’s weight grow at the required rate. Research also shows that breastfed babies have higher weights and IQs than babies who are not exclusively breast fed.

There are several studies that attest to the bounties of breast milk, chief among them being that breast milk is a ready source of all the calories and fluids that your baby needs to grow into a healthy child. Babies brought up on breast milk also show good growth of organs and greater immunity to such health problems as ear infections, viral/bacterial infections that may cause meningitis or metabolic disorders, and even protects the lungs against such problems as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Breastfeeding has several positives for the mother as well, chief among which are that it helps the mother-child bond, keeps the mother energised, helps her uterus contract gradually and it is also believed to aid weight loss.

Cultural Differences Play a Big Part!

Asian countries encourage mothers to breastfeed at all times, so it is not at all surprising to see women breastfeeding in public in these countries. In many Asian and Arabic cultures, the sight of a woman breastfeeding her child is not just considered normal, but also auspicious. As such, a mother’s milk is considered pure and sacred in many cultures around the world.

However, there may be differences in the way some other cultures and communities view the breastfeeding exercise. While most women in countries like the US and UK might wean away their children from breast milk quite early, others might not breastfeed in public but choose to use a breast milk pump to draw out the milk in to a bottle for their baby’s consumption outside the home. Some cultures in the Middle East dictate that breastfeeding outside the home, where strangers’ may cast an eye over or even ogle at the woman’s breast, is impolite and not to be encouraged. Still others frown upon the idea of women breastfeeding in front of men.

Breastfeeding tips and taboos exist in other parts of the world as well. For instance, it is believed in some parts of Kenya that a woman must not breastfeed if she is upset or has had a domestic quarrel for fear of contaminating her milk with ‘bad blood’. Then there are some bush tribes in Papua New Guinea that believe that a woman must be celibate while she breastfeeds.

The Genesis of World Breastfeeding Week

The idea of a woman exclusively breastfeeding her baby for the first six months of its life was first floated in the year 1991, when the organisation World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) announced the goal to promote the idea of exclusive breastfeeding all over the world. This week is now observed every year from August 1 to 7 and is expected to touch more than 120 countries around the world this year. It is observed with awareness programmes, participant events, pledges and information dissemination by doctors, researchers, midwives and mothers.

In the year 2010, over 400,000 participants from more than 79 countries and 488 organisations were part of the World Breastfeeding Week, with the numbers nearly doubling by last year across all categories.

The theme for the year 2016 carries forward the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ theme of 2015. It is centred on caring for each other, starting on a journey of good health and wellbeing through breastfeeding and respect for the world. The slogan for the 2016 theme is ‘Breastfeeding: A key to sustainable development’.

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