Exclusive Breastfeeding
- "The Best Start in Life" -

Jodibala Haobijam *

Breast feeding is as old as Human kind. Exclusive breast feeding gives children the best start in life. Breast milk is accepted the unique, natural and nutritious food, provided by nature for the newborn. Human milk is unequivocally considered as the best food for neonate due to its unique physical, biochemical and immunological qualities.

It is estimated that over one million children die each year from diarrhea, respiratory and other infections because they are not adequately breastfed. Breastfed babies get the most nutritiously balanced diet and are less susceptible to infections. Exclusive breast feeding is essential for healthy growth of the child.

Pregnant women must be informed of the benefits and management of breast feeding so that no child is denied the advantage of exclusive breast feeding due to lack of information by the mother, even if the women choose to deliver at home.

Preparation of a mother for breast feeding:
The environment in which a mother breastfeeds her baby should be conducive free from noise and calm. She should be psychologically prepared to breast feed her baby. Breast feeding helps a mother and baby to form a close, loving relationship, which makes mothers feel deeply satisfied emotionally. She should be given necessary information regarding positioning and other aspects of breastfeeding. Hold your baby in a position

Any position which is comfortable can be adopted for breastfeeding. Mother should hold baby's body close to hers. The baby's head and body should be in a straight line with baby's face facing the breast, supporting his bottom, and not just his head and shoulders. The nipple and as much of the areola should be introduced into the baby's mouth for effective suckling. If the baby sucks from the nipple only she/he will not get enough milk. Place the infant onto her breast the mother holds her breast with her thumb on top & fingers underneath ("c hold")
Duration of Feeding:
The mother should feed the baby at an interval of 2-3 hours during first 24 hours. After the first week the baby may be breastfeed for every 3-4 hours. Baby should feed more on demand. Burping should be done after each feed to break up the wind. In initial period avoid long interval of more than 5 hours between feeds
Signs of Good Breastfeeding Progress:
The baby will have approximately 8 to 12 feeding per day; stools may be soft and yellow. The mother's breast milk production is increased, with a feeling of fullness of breast and warmth and after every feed usually the breast tends to be soft. Generally there will be increase in weight of the baby.

Warning signs:
Although the baby breast feeds every hour but never seems to be satisfied, the baby refuses to take feeds; the colour of the stool is dark black, green, or brown; no gain in the weight of the baby. Inadequate or diminished production of breast milk, breast engorgement, soreness of nipples and painful breast, are the warning signs that need medical attention. Breast feeding must be continued even if the child is not well so that the child gets adequate nutrition. If any problems such as sore nipples or breast engorgement or anxiety persist mother should be encouraged to consult a doctor.

Benefits of Breast Feeding:
Breast feeding is the simplest way to feed the baby, Breast milk is the best food available and is the tailor made to suits the child's needs .Breast milk is nutritionally perfect for infants and contains a number of protective factors. It helps in easy digestion for the baby, and is readily available, and is usually sterile. It is convenient, requiring no preparation and costs nothing. Breast-feeding acts as a natural contraceptive. For mother, breast-feeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It promotes bonding and a close relationship between mother and infant.

Home Remedies for Breastfeeding Problems:

• Apply cool compress to your nipples, before breastfeeding. This will help in alleviating sore nipple problem.
• Olive oil is very beneficial in preventing cracks, tears and chapping of nipples.
• Cumin is useful home remedy to increase milk production. Mix powdered cumin seed in water and make a paste. Gently apply it over the breasts.
• Roast turmeric powder in low flame. Take 4-5 tablespoon of roasted turmeric powder and make a paste using water. Apply it gently over the breasts. It kills germs and releases the puss.
• Carotenes are the proteins that are present in various food stuffs. Eat food rich in carotenes as they are good for nursing mothers.

• Check your nipples every day, if you see dry milk on them, remove them with a cotton and warm water and feed your child as soon as possible from that breast.
• Massage your breast firmly between feedings.
• If there is some swelling or pain in your breasts, apply warm, moist packs two or three times a day.
• Place the baby in different positions every time, this will ensure that all ducts are being used.
• You can also keep some cool green cabbage leaves in your bra for 2 hours. This will relieve the engorgement of breast.
• Do not wear bra for long hours of the day. Wear nursing bras with flaps.
• Avoid anxiousness, unrest, unnecessary tension, and stress as they will hamper the breast milk production. These conditions severely affect insufficient milk secretion in the mothers' breast.