Breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding, also called nursing. Breastfeeding should be continued exclusively for 6 -12 months following birth.

Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is the process of feeding breast milk to a child, either directly from the breast or by expressing (pumping out) the milk from the breast and bottle-feeding it to the infant. Here’s what you need to know about how often and how long to breastfeed your baby.

When is the best time for a mother to start breastfeeding her child?

Breastfeeding should be started as soon as possible after birth.

What exactly is colostrum, and how does it help a baby?

Colostrum is the mother’s initial thick milk, which is deep yellow in colour and produced shortly after birth. This milk is high in nutrients and antibodies, giving the infant a complete diet while also protecting him or her from disease and infection.

Why is breastfeeding important to a baby?

  • It provides the appropriate amount of nourishment for a baby.
  • It safeguards the newborn from infection and disease.
  • It improves survival throughout the first year of life when the newborn is more susceptible to infections.

How long should a mother breastfeed?

Breastfeeding should be continued exclusively for 6 -12 months following birth.uploadarticle.com

Then, until the child is two years old or older, it should be supplemented with other vitamins.

In the first several weeks, how often should you breastfeed?

Breastfeed a baby on demand, at least eight times a day, or every two to three hours as needed.

Breastfeeding position

Breastfeeding is a technique in which the baby has to be held in the right position which helps in getting the infant to latch on to the breast for feeding.

Is it necessary for a mother to use both breasts?

If a baby finishes the first breast during a feeding, offer the second breast at the next feeding since each feeding produces two types of milk: thirst-quenching milk and fat-rich milk. Both are necessary for the baby’s development. As long as your baby is comfortable and gaining well, you are doing it right.

Is it safe for a lactating mother to smoke, drink, or use drugs?

A breastfeeding woman should never consume alcohol or smoke.

Before taking any medication, the mother should always visit a doctor, as certain medications can readily pass through the breast milk and harm the baby.

What is the best way to pump and preserve breast milk?

If the mother is unable to breastfeed the baby directly, her milk can be pumped out via hand expression, a manual pump, or an electric breast pump.

It must also be kept refrigerated for 3 to 8 days after that. Before using, warm the milk under hot tap water, but do not microwave it.

What is weaning?

After the first six months of life, weaning is the progressive process of supplementing breast milk with other dietary meals and fluids.

What are the breastfeeding benefits for a mother?

It aids in the reduction of the risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, and cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer.

It also aids in the weight loss of the woman following birth.

For any queries and consultation contact Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu, one of the top Breast cancer surgeon in Delhi.

Also read: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Early Detection
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