Breast Feeding- Baby's First Vaccination.

Online Health Magazine *Author: Dr. Merish. S
www.mavudu.com
*Final Year Medical Student
Email : merish@doctor.com
Breast Feeding- Baby’s first vaccination
Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need
for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have
accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of
vitamins, protein, and fat, PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) - everything your baby needs to
grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk
contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Breast_feeding_Awareness_week,_1-7_August.jpg
Objectives:
To increase awareness about breast feeding.
To educate about the benefits of breast feeding.
To educate about the basics of breast feeding.
To educate about the harms associated with formula feeding.
World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than
170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.
It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government
policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organizations to protect, promote and support
breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need.
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is
six months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to
breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.

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NORMAL BREASTFEEDING:
Breastfed babies have variable feeding routines.
Babies may have 8 or more feeds in 24 hours - this does not mean that the mother doesn’t
have enough milk. The volume of milk mothers can store in their breasts at any given time will
influence how many feeds a baby needs in 24 hours.
Babies will have some short feeds and some long feeds - this is normal. Sometimes the
baby will take milk from one breast and as the baby grows they will use both breasts.
Mothers have more available milk in their breasts in the morning and less in the
afternoon which makes babies cluster feed at the end of the day - this doesn’t mean that the
mother doesn’t have enough milk. Babies get a majority of their fluid needs from the first part, of
the breastfeed which means they sometimes have a short feed to get a drink of water. The
amount of water in a feed changes depending on how hot the day. The breast will add more
water during hotter months. Optimum to breastfeed for 2 years or longer
Why breastfeeding is important?
When you choose to breastfeed, you make an investment in your baby's future. Breastfeeding
allows you to make the food that is perfect for your baby. Your milk gives your baby the healthy
start that will last a lifetime. Breastfeeding is normal and healthy for infants and moms.
Breastmilk has hormones and disease- fighting cells called antibodies that help protect
infants from germs and illness. This protection is unique and changes to meet your baby’s needs.
Some important reasons to breastfeed are, Breastfeeding offers essential nutrients and a
nutritionally balanced meal, milk is easy to digest, fights disease, Protects your baby, Benefits
your health, May make your life easier.
BENEFITS TO INFANTS
Lowers the risk of
Diarrhea
Constipation

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Infections
Ear, respiratory, meningitis, urinary tract
SIDS
Allergic diseases
Chronic digestive diseases
Juvenile onset diabetes
Acute leukemia
Adult obesity
BENEFITS TO MOTHER
Less postpartum bleeding
More rapid uterine involution
Weight loss
Decreased premenopausal breast cancer rates
Decreased ovarian cancer rates
Lactational amenorrhea
Your breast milk helps your baby grow healthy and strong from day one.
Your first milk is liquid gold. Called liquid gold for its deep yellow color, colostrum
(coh-LOSS-trum) is the thick first milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This
milk is very rich in nutrients and includes antibodies to protect your baby from infections.
Colostrum also helps your newborn infant's digestive system to grow and function. Your baby
gets only a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, because the stomach of a newborn infant
is tiny and can hold only a small amount.
Are There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother?
Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases
the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size(return to normal)
and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of

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breast(premenopausal breast cancer) and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis ,
Diabetes mellitus.
The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons, including:
Psychological (Attachment, bonding, security, skin to skin, fulfillment of basic needs,
relationship), The joyful closeness and bonding with your baby, The cost savings, health benefits
for you and your baby.
Life can be easier for you when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding may seem like it takes a little
more effort than formula-feeding at first. But breastfeeding can make your life easier once you
and your baby settle into a good routine. When you breastfeed, there are no bottles and nipples to
sterilize. You do not have to buy, measure, and mix formula. And there are no bottles to warm in
the middle of the night! When you breastfeed, you can satisfy your baby's hunger right away.
Not breastfeeding costs money. Formula and feeding supplies can cost well each year.
Breastfed babies may also be sick less often, which can help keep your baby's health costs lower.
Breastfeeding keeps mother and baby close. Physical contact is important to newborns. It
helps them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Mothers also benefit from this closeness. The
skin-to-skin contact boosts your oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps breastmilk
flow and can calm the mother.
Since you don't have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you
time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond.

Breast Feeding- Baby's First Vaccination.

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