All About
Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a personal choice and it could be challenging for new mothers. Doctors and medical experts across the globe strongly recommend breastfeeding a newborn for the first six months. Breast Milk is the best source of nutrients for a newborn and strengthening the baby’s immune system is one of the primary benefits of breastfeeding.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for Mother & Baby

Strengthens mother-baby bond:

Skin-to-skin contact comforts a newborn and helps build an emotional connection with the mother.

Best source of nutrient:

Breast milk contains protein, water, healthy fat, antibodies and white blood cells that helps in the immunity development of a baby.

Reduces risk of obesity:

Breast milk helps with balanced body weight in infants. Also, breastfeeding helps moms reduce the extra calories gained during pregnancy.

Decreases chances of SIDS:

It is observed that exclusive breastfeeding protects babies against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.

Apart from these, there are many other advantages of breastfeeding like lesser chances of postpartum blues, higher IQ levels in babies , etc. If you are looking for help or more information, consult with our reputed paediatrician or gynaecologist based on your concern.

Breastfeeding Myths vs Facts

Many women don’t produce enough breast milk

Breast milk is produced on a supply-demand basis. The more one breastfeeds, the more milk the body produces.

Breastfeeding is painful

While nipple soreness for a few days is common, breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful.

Breastfeeding too often reduces milk production

Breast milk is available 24 hours soon after mother starts with breastfeeding

Breast pump causes saggy breasts

Breast pumps don’t alter the shape and size of breasts. Sagging can happen for multiple other reasons

Mothers should eat bland food during breastfeeding

New moms lose 500 calories through breastfeeding and this can be replaced only through healthy food, not necessarily bland food.

One who doesn’t breastfeed is a bad mother.

Breastfeeding is a choice. Also, many times mothers cannot breastfeed owing to multiple medical and non-medical reasons.

Many women don’t produce enough breast milk

Breast milk is produced on a supply-demand basis. The more one breastfeeds, the more milk the body produces.

Breastfeeding is painful

While nipple soreness for a few days is common, breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful.

Breastfeeding too often reduces milk production

Breast milk is available 24 hours soon after mother starts with breastfeeding

Breast pump causes saggy breasts

Breast pumps don’t alter the shape and size of breasts. Sagging can happen for multiple other reasons

Mothers should eat bland food during breastfeeding

New moms lose 500 calories through breastfeeding and this can be replaced only through healthy food, not necessarily bland food.

One who doesn’t breastfeed is a bad mother.

Breastfeeding is a choice. Also, many times mothers cannot breastfeed owing to multiple medical and non-medical reasons.

Tips for new mothers when breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be daunting. Consider doctor consultation for help.

Feeding position and latching both are equally important.

Include protein-rice food in your breastfeeding diet

Drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday during breastfeeding.

Rest as much as you can.

Is Breastfeeding recommended for covid positive mothers?

WHO recommends covid positive mothers to continue with breastfeeding as there is no data to conclude 100% transmission of covid19 virus from mother. Covid 19 positive mothers produce antibodies in their milk which is beneficial for baby’s immunity. However, covid positive mothers should always wear masks while breastfeeding and wash their hands before holding the baby. Also, stay in touch with your doctor.