Importance Of Breastfeeding In Ayurveda
Breastfeeding is a blessing for both mother and child postpartum. It helps enhance the growth of the baby and builds immunity to fight diseases and brings the mother closer to her baby. Ayurveda also advocates the benefits and importance of breastfeeding in children. Dr. Srikanthbabu Perugu, BAMS MD Ayurveda, Principal at Dr. BRKR Govt. Ayurvedic College, Hyderabad, says, “Ayurveda recommends breastfeeding from the very beginning. It is usually the mother who gives birth, feeds the baby. But, if the mother is suffering from certain specific illnesses, another woman can breastfeed the baby and she is called ‘Dhatri’.”
Properties (Stanya Sampath)
Therefore, breast milk is very important for the baby, at least up to 6 months after the birth and he/she should not be deprived of it. Dr. Srikanth explains the properties of ideal breast milk as:
- 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
These properties assure proper nourishment and growth of the baby.
Associated Conditions (Stanya Lakshana)
There are 2 conditions associated with breast milk as narrated in Ayurveda, relating to excessive milk and insufficient milk.
- Stanya Vriddhi Lakshana
It refers to the excessive breast milk in the mother. In this, the secretion is very frequent and the size of the breast is full. - Stanya Kshaya Lakshana
It refers to insufficient breast milk in the mother. There are less secretion and more gas in the breast. It gives rise to depression in the breasts.
Benefits (Stanya Guna-Karma)
Ayurveda recognizes the benefits 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
“There are 7 constituents of the body, called the ‘Dhatus’, of which, the breast milk is derived from the Rasa Dhatu and is a sub-constituent of it. Therefore, a healthy diet and good digestive ability of the mother will ensure the production of healthy milk” adds Dr. Srikanth. Hence, loaded with benefits, breast milk is an essential part of every living being on the earth. It is the healthiest and nutritious thing that can be fed to a baby until they reach an age of being able to consume other food items.
