BREAST FEEDING

Ensuring exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months has a potential to reduce under-5 mortality rate by 13%,
Exclusive (only breast milk; nothing other than breast milk except vitamin drops, if indicated),
Initiated within an hour of birth and continued through first 6 months after birth.
Benefits of Breast Milk
Nutritional superiority:
optimum proportion and in a form that is easily digested and absorbed.
Carboliydrates:
Lactose is in a high concentration (6-7 g/ dL) in breast milk.
The galactose is necessary for formation of galactocerebrosides.
Lactose helps in absorption of calcium and enhances the growth of lactobacilli, the good bacteria, in the intestine.
Proteins:
The protein content of breast milk is low (0.9-1.1 g/dL) compared to animal milk.
Most of the protein is in form of lactalbumin and lactoglobulin (60%), which is easily digested.
contains amino acids like taurine and cysteine which are necessary for neuro-transmission and neuromodulation.
Fats:
Breast milk is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, necessary for the myelination of the nervous system.
It also contains omega 2 and omega 6 fatty acids, which are important for the formation of prostaglandins and cholesterol.
Vitamins and minerals:
The quantity and bioavailability of vitamins and minerals is sufficient to the needs of the baby in the first 6 months of life.
Water and electrolytes:
water content of 88% and hence a breastfed baby does not require any additional water in the first few months of life even
during summer months.
lrnnumological superiorittj: secretory IgA, macrophages, lymphocytes, lactoferrin, lysozyme, bi fidus factor and interferon
Protection
Breastfed babies have a lower risk of allergy, ear infections and orthodontic problems.
They have a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease and lymphoma in later life.
Mental growth
Babies who are breastfed are better bonded to their mothers.
Studies have shown that babies who were breastfed had a higher IQ than those babies
who were given other forms of milk.

Benefits to mother:
Breastfeeding soon after birth helps uterine involution, reducing chances of postpartum hemorrhage.
It provides protection against pregnancy due to lactational amenorrhea. during initial 6 months after delivery.
Breastfeeding is most convenient and time saving.
It reduces the risk of cancer of breast and ovary.
Breastfeeding is the most effective way of shedding extra weight that mother has gained during pregnancy.

Oxytocin reflex (milk ejection reflex):

Technique of Breastfeeding
Position of the mother:
The mother can assume any position that is comfortable to her and the baby.
She can sit or lie down.
Her back should be well supported and she should not be leaning on her baby

Position of baby:
Make sure that baby is wrapped properly in a cloth
i. Baby's whole body is supported not just neck or shoulders.
ii. Baby's head and body are in one line without any twist in the neck.
iii. Baby's body turned towards the mother (abdomens of the baby and the mother touching each other).
iv. Baby's nose is at the level of the nipple.

Attachment (Latching)
After proper positioning, the baby's cheek is touched and that initiates rooting reflex.
Allow the baby to open his mouth widely and at that point, the baby should be latched onto the breast ensuring that the
nipple and most of the areola are within baby's mouth (Fig. 9.24).
It is important that the baby is brought on the mother's breast and mother should not lean onto baby.

Signs of Good Attachment

i. The baby's mouth is wide open.
ii. Most of the nipple and areola in the mouth, only upper areola visible, not the lower one.
iii. The baby's chin touches the breast.
iv. The baby's lower lip is everted.