Every year, the first week of August, 1st-7th August is observed as World Breastfeeding Week. This year, the theme of the day is 'Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.' Also, the objectives this year, as stated by the World Alliance for Breast Action (WABA) are:
- Inform people about the importance of protecting breastfeeding.
- Anchor breastfeeding support as a vital public health responsibility.
- Engage with individuals and organizations for greater impact.
- Galvanize action on protecting breastfeeding to improve public health.
Everyone around the world is aware of the fact that breast milk is an exclusive and the best diet for a newborn baby, for at least up to 6 months of age. It contains all the essential nutrients and helps the baby fight certain infections and allergies. Dr Vijayanand Jamalpuri, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad says, “It not only provides these benefits but also creates a bond between the mother and the baby. The best gift provided to the baby at the time of birth is mother’s breast milk, which is baby specific”.
Properties And Benefits Of Breast Milk
Our Ayurvedic expert, Dr Srikanthbabu Perugu, BAMS MD Ayurveda explains the Propertiesof ideal breast milk. These properties assure proper nourishment and growth of the baby:
- It should possess a normal colour
- Natural odour
- Normal consistency
- Little sweet and palatable to the baby
- When poured into a cup of water, it should dissolve easily and completely
Ayurveda recognizes theBenefits of breast milk as follows:
- Life-giving (Pranadam), which means it gives life to the baby
- It serves as an immune booster and protects the baby from many diseases
- It allows the baby to grow in a proper way, like a normal adult
- Increases the body tissues
- It is sweet in taste, slimy and coolant
- It is a vitaliser