Breastfeeding Protects Babies From illnesses

Mother’s milk work as nectar for the newborn, it’s the healthiest food that can be given to a baby. As this milk provides protection to kid against many infections. Dr. Rajashree Katke, renowned Gynaecologist and Obstetrician through this article talks about diet a mother should follow during breastfeeding, and what to do if the mother of the newborn is COVID infected.

World breastfeeding week is being celebrated every 1-7 August every year. In 2020 the theme is “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”. It is the healthiest food that we can give to the baby. Often referred to as nectar for the baby, it serves multiple benefits. ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Dr. Rajashree Katke, renowned Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, MD OBGY, FICOG, FMAS, Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ex Superintendent CAMA and ALBLESS Hospitals, Mumbai.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

• Mother’s milk is a complete food to the newborn baby. It is like nectar as it contains immunoglobulins to fight the diseases of newborns like respiratory infections so death due to pneumonia and infections will be less.
• Mother's milk is like complete nutrition it contains water carbohydrates proteins and easily digestible fat. Minerals and calcium and iron also present in the mother’s milk can help to grow the baby well.

What are the benefits to the baby?

1. Deepen the emotional bond with the mother so their emotional Quotient is high so they do well in life.
2. The baby who has been breastfed have a good Intelligent Quotient.
3. It promotes weight gain in the baby healthy way rather than the formula feed.
4. Breastfed babies usually do not suffer from constipation
5. Protection to a baby from respiratory infections, diarrhoea and ear infections. Protection from allergies.

How many times one should give breastfeeding?

• Whenever the baby feels hungry then we should give feed, this is called “demand feeding” which is usually about every 1 and a half to 3 hours. We shouldn’t force the baby to breastfeed.
• Don’t give extra water or “gripe water” or “Gutti” to babies as for six-month exclusive breastfeeding. The breast milk is self-sufficient to the baby. There is enough water content in breast milk so there is no need to give extra water. Not maintaining proper hygiene can cause infection in the baby until 6 months. When a baby gets satisfied with milk, then babies will be calm and get a good sleep. If the baby keeps on crying, then check for deficient milk secretion.

Breastfeeding for the baby if the mother is COVID positive?

• In COVID if mother positive, she can feed the baby with proper gown and masks.
• Bonding with an infant should be there in COVID also
• And the mother can get her treatment as well.

Important pointers:

• If a baby has fever diarrhoea, you can continue breastfeeding.
• Ensure latching of the baby’s mouth around the nipple and areola. If we hold the baby properly and put nipple and part of areola in the baby’s mouth then there won’t be any nipple sucking.
• The cradle position is best suitable for the baby.
• If the mother has undergone a Cesarean section, then as soon as she recovers, a relative can assist in putting the child at the breast and ensure commencement of breastfeeding at the earliest
• If the baby has snuffles then suffocation occurs but if breastfeeding is done the right way then no suffocation occurs to the baby.

Diet/ nutrition to be followed during breastfeeding:

• Anemic mothers can feed the baby but she has to take proper iron and calcium supplements and a good diet to ensure that she and the baby both get enough nutrients.
• Calcium supplements prevent joint pains in breastfeeding mothers. Local preparations of Urad or Black gram are known to help joint pains.
• Porridge made with fenugreek, ragi helps to enhance breast milk production.
• Home-cooked food is good for the mother fresh cooked balanced diet.