THE
FIRST CONTACT AND FEED:
- Hold
your baby in close skin – to – skin contact within
half of delivery. Start breastfeeding as soon as the baby shows
readiness to suckle. Babies are very alert in the first hour
after delivery and tend to suckle easily and vigorously. It
has been proved that if the baby is breastfed earlier, then
it is easier for the mother to establish regular breastfeeding.
This ensures that breastfeeding can continue for a sufficiently
long period of time.
- Do
not give glucose/ jaggery/ sugar/ plain water or honey before
the first breastfeed. This may cause infection in the baby’s
digestive system. This may also prevent successful establishment
of breastfeeding because a baby with a full stomach may not
suckle at the breast.
BREASTMILK
IN THE FIRST 3 DAYS (COLOSTRUM):
The
thick, yellowish fluid from the breast in the first few days after
delivery is called Colostrum. Though small in quantity, Colostrum
is highly protective against infections and is nutritious and
sufficient for the baby. Hence do not give any other feeds during
this period to the baby.
DURATION AND FREQUENCY OF FEEDING:
Breastfeed
whenever your baby is hungry without any restriction of time.
Feed your baby even during the night. You can breastfeed the baby
lying down. Feed at one breast at a time till it is empty because
the initial milk (foremilk) is watery (contains sugar and proteins)
and quenches the baby’s thirst while the milk that is secreted
later (hindmilk) is rich in fats and satisfies baby’s hunger.
After the first breast is empty, shift to the second breast. You
can alternately start the feeds at either of the breast.
BEFORE
DISCHARGE FROM THE MATERNITY HOME:
Before
discharge from the maternity home, learn to hold and position
the baby properly and comfortably while breastfeeding. You should
be able to give nipple and maximum possible areola (dark portion
behind the nipple) in baby’s mouth for optimal breastfeeding.
Also learn to express breastmilk and storage.
EXCLUSIVE
BREASTFEEDING:
Give
only breast milk till the baby is 6 months old. Water, top milk,
honey, vitamins, almonds, fruit juices or any other item should
not be given during this period. These will interfere with breastfeeding
and may introduce infection.
Mother’s milk contains enough
water. Hence even in summer, an infant does not require water.
- Gripe
water, Balkadu, tonics for teething or any other similar preparations
are unnecessary and can be dangerous. Hence these items should
not be given.
WEANING:
Around
the end of 6 months gradually introduce the child to family meals.
However continue to breastfeed until the second birthday.
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Last
updated on 23-01-2001
