Breastfeeding - Foundation of Life.
A Mother and her child share unique bond. Every culture- every literature has many quotes about Mother -child’s bond of love. Our Indian cinemas are also cashed it very much. Bollywood always tries to get us “emmossionall” with dialogues like “Doodh ka karj……” “Agar Maa ka Doodh piya hai,to…..” Let’s ignore the fimly angle but we all know and have experienced the ‘Real bond of Love’ between a Mother and her child. And Breastfeeding plays a pivotal role in it. Hence it is an important developmental aspect for a mother and her child’s physical as well as mental well being.
That is why, every year during first week of August i.e 1st-7th August, ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ is being celebrated all over the world in order to spread awareness about Breastfeeding and to make Breastfeeding convenient for every lactating mother, irrespective of her socio-economic status. Concept and celebration of Breastfeeding was started since 1991 and every year they decide a theme for awareness campaign . the main aim is to make every lactating mother and her family aware about benefits of breastfeeding and to provide encouraging environment for breastfeeding to a lactating mother.
The reason for giving such emphasis on Breastfeeding is in its uniqueness. For every newborn There is no other wholesome and nutritious diet than mother’s milk. Just give it a thought , is there any other diet for a newborn which is more customized (changing its constitution as per individual child’s nutritional requirement), of precise temperature. Totally sterile (as it goes directly from mother’s breast to child’s mouth), balanced with solids-liquids-fat-nonfat-carbohydrates and micronutrients and yet inexpensive??? You will find that only solution to the question is ‘Mother’s Milk.’ But still in many countries children are still deprived from their fundamental right of breastfeeding , many children cannot get enough breastfeeding. Hence since 1991 World Alliance of Breastfeeding Action (WABA) , World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are working in collaboration In order to clear out misunderstandings regarding breastfeed , to discuss difficulties during about breastfeeding and to make it sustainable during at least initial life of a newborn . Involvement of such repites health organisations marks the importance and necessity of Breastfeeding. It has definitely helped to increase awareness about breastfeeding.
Even so, for many mothers,it seems difficult to continue breastfeeding for 2 years. As there are many reasons like inadequate nutrition, support from family, enough physical and mental rest, which force mother to discontinue it.
Hence to encourage breastfeeding , first we need to educate lactating mothers,their partners and other family members about need and importance of breastfeeding. It can be done with the help of gynecologists , trained nurses, lactation consultants , and other support groups. There should be prepartum lactation guidance workshops for the family members where they will be made aware of various issues like advantages of breastfeeding, disadvantages of top feeds, use of other devices like breast pump or bottles and storage of breastmilk. Also pregnant mothers will be taught correct method of breastfeeding , practical difficulties and its solutions, which helps to relieve any lactation related stress . now some may question need of awareness of family members as well but with the arrival of a little guest, everyone’s set routine may get disturbed.You may need extra helping hands to take care of a newborn. So it is helpfull to understand importance of breastfeeding and be prepared for the alterations in oyour schedule asper baby’s need so that the lactating mother can get enough cooparation,nutrition,rest and time for breastfeeding her child.
Key points to remember
- First touch and breastfeeding - post delivery first cry and breathing is confirmed and baby should be given to the mother for breastfeeding as soon as possible.
- For first few days mamary glands (breasts) produce thick yellowish liquid know as Colostrum which is enriched with nutrients and antibodies which provide protection against various diseases. It is also mild laxative in nature which helps a newborn to pass first stools (meconium). Due to which excess fo bilirubin , residual red blood cells can be excreeted and chances of physiological jaundice are reduced. Also colostrum is rich in IgM,IgG,IgA antibodies which helps to develope baby’s immune system naturally.
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References ;
- . Breastfeeding Promotion Network , India
- Textbook of obstretics
- Picture reference - World Alliance of Brerastfeeding Action (WABA) official website
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