baby Breastfeeding

In the era of plastic breasts, fast life and artificial baby feeds and multiple baby pacifiers, breastfeeding is becoming redundant and old-fashioned. Mothers want to maintain their figures like those of celebrities; they care less for their infants and more for their perfect figures.

Breast milk is the most wholesome and nutritious diet for the new born. It consists of nutrients and antibodies against various bacteria and immunoglobulins which are absent in formula and packaged baby powders or even cow's milk and buffalo's milk. It fulfills all the needs of the baby. Breast feeding is usually advised for six to nine months in normal infants and for twelve to fifteen months in pre-term infants. Breast feeding protects the infant from many infectious diseases, prevents or delays many lifestyle disorders, and also strengthens the emotional and intellectual bond between mother and infant.

Speaking kind, soft, gentle words to the infant while the infant is suckling, is usually advised as it helps in development of the child's brain. Breast-fed infants develop higher intellectual and emotional quotient as compared to formula-fed infants. They learn to speak and walk faster and can tackle the complex external world in a better manner.

Breast feeding also gives many benefits to the mother. It gives natural post partum infertility, reduces weight, helps in expelling the remnants of the uterus faster and prevents from breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. It also reduces the risk of diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Babies should be fed on demand and the feeding should last for at least ten to fifteen minutes or till the breast feels empty or the baby feels full. The diet of the mother should be well taken care of during the period of lactation. Mothers should have nutritious diets with high amounts of protein and carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables. Smoking, alcohol and other addictive foods should be avoided during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the infant and hence should be practiced by one and all.