The most divine way to show mother's love to a newborn
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.
Key statistics
Sub-optimum breastfeeding results in more than 800,000 child deaths annually.
Breastfeeding is the world's most effective solution to reducing child deaths, yet global breastfeeding rates have stagnated at below 40 percent for two decades.
Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are15 times more likely to die from pneumonia and 11 times more likely to die of diarrhea, the two leading killers of children under 5.
World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, solid foods, such as mashed fruits and vegetables, should be introduced to complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more.
Importance of breast feeding for mother and child :-
- In the first few days after birth, a child needs colostrum, a thick, sticky, yellowish fluid rich in calcium, potassium, proteins, minerals, and antibodies
- Breastfeeding may help mothers to lose weight as they burn as many as 600 calories a day, which may help the get back to their pre-pregnancy weight
- Babies who are not breastfed have a higher risk of asthma, diabetes, and childhood obesity
- The emotional health of the mother may be enhanced by the relationship she develops with her infant during breastfeeding, resulting in fewer feelings of anxiety and a stronger sense of connection with her baby.
Things You must know
- Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth
- Breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night
- Bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.
Dietary suggestions for breast-feeding Women:
- Eat a well balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans or meats, and whole grains
- Get plenty of calcium via dairy foods like milk and cheese. Talk to your doctor about calcium supplements and other ways to get more calcium
- Increase your fluid and calorie intake
- Do not smoke/consume alcohol or caffeine
- Do not eat foods that seem to bother your baby
- Do not take any medications without talking to your doctor
