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Magazine
`B' for breast feeding
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Breast feeding enhances cognitive development in the baby, augments mother-baby bonding and also happens to be economical and convenient, says Dr. UMA KRISHNASWAMY.
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BREAST milk is the best nutrition a baby can have for the first six months of life. The protective benefits of breast milk are numerous for both mother and baby. An estimated 1.5 million babies around the world can survive if they were breast fed.
Not only does breast milk contain just the correct combination of nutrients for growth, but it also protects against common illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory infection. It enhances cognitive development in the baby, augments mother-baby bonding and also happens to be economical and convenient.
There are many advantages to the mother as well. Breast feeding promotes the uterus to shrink to its original size and also protects the mother against early breast and ovarian cancer.
Despite the medical, financial, social and emotional benefits of breast feeding there appear to be many potential barriers to breast feeding: embarrassment, difficulty in returning to work, lack of confidence that the baby is being adequately fed and of course a false perception that bottle feeding is as good as breast feeding, thanks to unethical advertising and sales practices engaged in by some manufacturers of breast milk substitutes.
A decision to breast feed the baby should be done even prior to pregnancy. Every pregnant woman should learn about breast feeding by talking to her doctor or mid wife or reading information pamphlets, etc.
Only women with serious illnesses (e.g. HIV) will be advised not to breast feed. Similarly, bottle feeding with breast milk substitutes may become essential if for some reason, the mother is unable to establish or continue adequate lactation. This should not become a source of guilt or depression to the new mother.
Breast feeding should start as soon as possible after birth, if not immediately, when the baby's suckling reflex is very strong. The correct technique of breast feeding is best learnt from one's midwife, who will help and supervise the first few feeds. The use of pacifiers, sugar water and formula bottle feeds, etc. may lead to nipple confusion and jeopardise the establishment of successful breast feeding.
Feeding is usually done "on demand". Most babies feed between 10-20 minutes per breast. It is imperative to allow the baby to burp after feeding. By counting the wet diapers every day and assessing water loss through urine and stool, the mother can ensure that there is no dehydration in the initial days of feeding.
Breast feeding related problems are easily prevented and solved. Breast engorgement is a problem that may be solved by ensuring that the baby is sucking correctly and frequently. Ice packs and gentle massage to get the milk flowing are useful techniques.
As to nipple related problems, contrary to popular belief, flat or indrawn nipples seldom interfere with lactation. Persistently sore nipples usually indicate that the baby is not sucking correctly.
Breast infections can occur if nursing is not regular or if nursing continues through cracked and infected nipples. Such infections may culminate in a breast abcess, requiring the attention of a surgeon. Again, contrary to popular belief, feeding can continue from the affected breast without jeopardising the baby's health.
Weaning begins when both mother and baby are ready, usually after a few months of breast feeding. The process has to be gradual, dropping one feed at a time. Even after complete weaning, it is normal for the breasts to continue to produce some milk for several weeks or months. Eventually, this too stops.
Successful breast feeding takes commitment and effort not merely on the part of the new mother but also the new father and the "baby friendly" attitude of the doctors or midwives or the institution where the delivery takes place.
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