While bloghopping, i found an interesting cause that i strongly support..n hope u guys will do too..i extracted the most important and common Q&A concerning breastfeeding..n due to this is why most breastfeeding especially those exclusivly find it a very offensive subject wen people give negative comments or judge them wen all thier trying to do is give thier ultimate best to thier child...
so if ur on the same boat as me pls sign this petition ....by clicking here
Why should babies be breastfed? - Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Most babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula.
- There are health risks to the baby if it is not breastfed. Breast milk has agents (called antibodies) in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. Babies who are not exclusively breastfed for 6 months are more likely to develop a wide range of infections diseases including ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses. They are sick more often and have more doctor's visits.
- Breastfed babies score higher on IQ tests in childhood, especially babies who were born prematurely.
- Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to get back to its original size and lessens any bleeding you might have after giving birth.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and possibly the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.
- Breastfeeding can help women bond with their babies. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted.
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
| Benefits for Infant | Benefits for Mother |
- Perfect food for infant
- Guarantees safe, fresh milk
- Enhances immune system
- Protects against infectious and noninfectious diseases
- Protects against food allergies and intolerances
- Decreases risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections
- Promotes correct development of jaw, teeth, and speech patterns
- Decreases risk of childhood obesity
- Increases cognitive function
- Increases bonding with mother
| - Promotes less postpartum bleeding
- Promotes faster return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Eliminates the need for preparing and mixing formula
- Saves money not spent on formula
- Dec
- Promotes faster shrinking of the uterus
- reases risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Increases bonding with infant
- Enhances self-esteem in the maternal role
- Delays the menstrual cycle
|
2. What are good breastfeeding practices?
Good breastfeeding practices include:
- Starting to breastfeed within one hour of birth
- Feeding the baby breastmilk and nothing else, not even water, for the first six months of life
- Introducing other appropriate and adequate foods thereafter while continuing to breastfeed the baby for as long as possible
3. Why is breastfeeding the baby within one hour of birth important
The breasts make milk only if they are stimulated by suckling. A baby just born needs only a few drops of milk, and the mother's breasts have this. When the baby suckles, the breast is stimulated to produce more milk. The baby will go to sleep with the just the few drops, but when he/she wakes up, the mother's breast will be full of milk for the next feed. The first few drops of milk, called colostrum, protects the baby from infections. Feeding within one hour of birth can reduce the risk of illness by 6 times.
4. How can a woman start breastfeeding within an hour after a Cesarian?
Initiation of breastfeeding is often delayed after a cesarian section. However, the woman can start breastfeeding as soon as she is fully conscious and alert. Women who have epidural anesthesia are generally able to hold the baby sooner and nurse for a longer period initially, than those who have general anesthesia. It is important that the woman breastfeeds the baby during the first day.
5. What is colostrum and how does it help the baby?
Colostrum is the thick, yellowish milk that the mother's breast produces for the first few days after delivery. It is rich in antibodies against several common diseases. When the baby drinks colostrum, the antibodies pass into its body and help to protect the baby against these infections, which can be life threatening for the baby
6. What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding means giving the baby only breastmilk and nothing else. Any other fluid or foods, even water, can interfere with the milk supply.
7. What about water?
During the six months of exclusive breastfeeding, the baby does not require anything else, not even water. Breastmilk alone is sufficient to meet all its needs. During this period, the baby should not be given any water, other milks, juices, teas, soups, or any other kinds of liquids and solids, other than immunization (drops, such as Oral Polio Vaccine), any medication as part of a treatment prescribed by a qualified health worker.
8. What if the baby continues to be hungry after breastfeeding?
All women can produce enough milk for their babies. Only extremely malnourished women may have difficulty in doing so. The amount of milk produced depends on how often the baby suckles and for how long. The flow of milk from the breast to the baby is dependent upon the woman's state of mind. If she is depressed or worried, the milk that is already in her breasts may not flow to the baby's mouth. She may then get the feeling that her breasts are not producing enough milk for the baby. A trained counsellor can help the woman with her stress and fears, so that the milk will flow from her breast to the baby.
9. What about sore breasts, cracked nipples, etc.?
These problems are usually caused when the milk produced by the breast does not reach the baby. They can be easily treated by a health worker. A trained counsellor can help the woman to relax and enjoy breastfeeding. As the baby continues to suckle and draw out the milk, the problems will disappear.
10. Will exclusive breastfeeding for six months weaken the mother?
A breastfeeding woman requires some extra nutritious food everyday as milk production requires about 800 calories daily. An extra helping of wholesome fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and calcium-rich foods such as an extra glass of milk will meet her needs. She must drink plenty of water during the day while breastfeeding.
11. Can a woman breastfeed if her breasts are small?
Of course! Breast size is not related to the ability to produce milk. Breast size is dependent on the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, and not the amount of milk.
12. Does breastfeeding make breasts sag?
Several studies have shown that breastfeeding does not cause breasts to sag. Sagging is a natural and inevitable process that happens because of age, number of pregnancies and smoking. Diet a
nd genetics may also play a role. Sagging of breasts is not related to breastfeeding in any way.
13. How can a working woman exclusively bring up her baby on breastmilk?
Today, several governments and private sector institutions offer maternity leave to women, when the women can recuperate from child birth and breastfeed the baby. When women do have to go to work, they can express their breastmilk either by hand or by using a breastpump. This milk can be stored, warmed as needed and fed to the baby by the care giver.
14. What about infant formula and other baby milk produced by companies? Are these as good as breastmilk?
Breastmilk is the best milk for babies. No other milk, whether fresh, or powdered, can meet their needs fully. Even the most hygienically manufactured milk is not as good as breastmilk for the baby. However, several times, the manufactured milks may be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, toxics, etc. Or the water that is used for mixing the milk may be contaminated with these substances even if it is boiled, making other milks doubly dangerous for the baby.
15. Is it safe to take medications while breastfeeding?
Always tell the health worker that you are breastfeeding before taking any medication. The health worker will advise you on the need, the dosage and the precautions you may need to take.
all info are obtained from ONE MILLION CAMPAIGN
p/s there's no such thing as insufficient milk...it's just mind over matter subject...a negative input will actually cause the production of milk to be low..as the body will react in a sense that the baby needs to be supplemented...so guys..pls..if ur not exclusively breastfeeding..its ok..but don't meddle with negative comments of an exclusive breastfeeding mother..cause it does disrupt her milk production...
