Why breastfeeding is essential

Mother’s milk contains all the essential nutrients a baby needs. Many babies who are deprived of breast milk face the risk of various illnesses. Details were provided by Dr. Farhana Mobin.

Benefits of Breast Milk

• Newborns should be breastfed immediately after birth, within one hour, regardless of whether they are delivered normally or by cesarean section. The milk produced during this period is called colostrum. It contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins a baby needs.
• Colostrum helps dry the newborn’s umbilical cord, prevent jaundice and strengthen immunity.
• Colostrum contains a high level of a protein called lactoferrin, which plays an important role in preventing infections. It helps protect newborns from contagious illnesses, including measles, umbilical infections and pneumonia.
• The high levels of vitamins A and C in breast milk are essential for the development of a newborn’s eyes, skin, hair, teeth and cognitive abilities. The zinc, copper and mineral salts in breast milk are also extremely important for a child’s growth.
• Breastfeeding instead of feeding formula milk from a bottle helps strengthen a newborn’s jaw and teeth.

Breastfeeding Also Benefits Mothers

• It reduces the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.
• It comparatively reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding.
• It reduces the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
• It creates an emotional bond between mother and child.
• Regular breastfeeding helps the mother’s uterus return to its normal condition relatively quickly.

If a mother experiences anxiety, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or hormonal disorders, the baby may sometimes not receive an adequate amount of milk.

Breastfeeding Techniques

• The mother should breastfeed her child free from anxiety and with her full attention.
• If the mother has anxiety, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or hormonal disorders, the baby may sometimes not receive an adequate amount of milk. Such problems should be treated by seeking medical care.
• The mother should drink one glass of water before breastfeeding and another glass afterward.
• The baby should be held parallel to one arm and brought very close to the mother’s chest, while the other hand is used to support breastfeeding.
• The mother should eat nutritious foods, including milk, eggs, vegetables and seasonal fruits, and drink two and a half to three liters of water every day.
• Breastfeeding from both breasts reduces the risk of milk accumulating in one breast and causing pain or infection.
• If the mother has a contagious illness, she should consult a doctor. Many medicines can reach the newborn through breast milk. Therefore, no medicine should be taken without consulting a specialist.
• Sometimes a baby cannot suck and feed properly. In other cases, some mothers may not produce enough milk. In such situations, repeated attempts should be made to breastfeed the newborn.
• Premature babies may sometimes be unable to breastfeed because of weakness. A doctor should be consulted to determine whether the mother or baby has any physical abnormalities.
• To ensure an adequate supply of breast milk, mothers should regularly consume bottle gourd, black cumin, lentils, coconut water, milk, soup and sago.
• If a mother needs to go outside, she can use a breast pump to store milk in a clean container. The baby should be fed with a bowl and spoon instead of a bottle.
• Breast milk can be stored at normal room temperature for four hours and in a refrigerator for four days. However, it is best to feed the baby as soon as possible.
• Some mothers produce breast milk in excessive amounts. If a newborn cannot drink properly, some milk should be expressed and discarded. Otherwise, excess milk can accumulate in the breast and cause pain. In many cases, the mother’s breast can become hard. The pain may even cause fever. In such cases, warm compresses should be applied and the excess milk should be expressed using a breast pump. If this problem continues for a long time, it can lead to a condition called a milk abscess.

Author: Medical Officer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pulse Point Healthcare Limited, Dhaka