“Something as simple as better breastfeeding could save a million children a year.”
-Anne M Mulcahy

Undoubtedly, we can say that the breastmilk is baby’s perfect first food and feast that every mother can serve first for their child. Every mother has their own unique milk composition which their infant needs and that makes the perfect bond between you and your child. A gift from the heaven. It is such a dynamic food source!  It’s full of antibodies to help protect baby against infection.  It’s also made up of anti-parasites, anti-allergies, and anti-viruses to protect and start to build baby’s immune system.  Colostrum is often called “liquid gold” because every drop is valuable and impactful for baby’s health.

Breastfeeding is the first form of nourishment that any child receives. Breastmilk is the first food which marks the nutrition journey of any human being and hence, it is very essential. It forms the basis for life-long good health. Breastfeeding provides all the three pillars that any baby requires: Nutrition, affection, and protection.

Nurture your Child with Compassion

  • Breastmilk is the utmost nutritious food that you can offer. It contains adequate nutrients including calories, proteins, vitamins such as Vit-A, Vit-C, Vitamin-D etc, minerals, Iron and many other important nutrients more than any other dairy products.
  • Breastmilk is pure and free from contaminants, free from bacteria and has anti-infective properties.
  • Breastmilk contains ingredients which prevent harmful bacteria from growing in intestines and causing loose stools.
  • Very easy to digest and easy to feed.
  • Based on research and studies it has been revealed that breastmilk enhances
    • Brain Development
    • Visual Development
    • Physical Development
    • Prevents diseases and allergies

Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding

  • Scientists now tell us that infants learn best in a context of emotional closeness with an adult. Breastfeeding promotes a growing attachment between the two of you that will continue to play an important role in your baby’s development for years to come.

How Breastfeeding Keeps MOM healthier

  • Breast feeding helps the women to maintain their weight and physique.
  • Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract – during pregnancy, your uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of your abdomen. After delivery, your uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process. Your body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help you bond with your new little one. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size.
  • Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression – Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth. Women who breastfeed seem less likely to develop postpartum depression, compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed, according to studies and research.
  • Reduced risk of breast cancer -You probably know that breastfeeding can give your baby a healthy start. But that’s not the only health benefit. It also can lower your breast cancer risk.

“Research shows mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. And, breastfeeding longer than the recommended six months can provide additional protection,” says Linds Wohlford, wellness dietitian.
Most women who breastfeed experience hormonal changes during lactation that delay their menstrual periods. This reduces a woman’s lifetime exposure to hormones like estrogen, which can promote breast cancer cell growth.In addition, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you shed breast tissue.

“This shedding can help remove cells with potential DNA damage, thus helping to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer,” Wohlford says

If you have any concerns , please visit a lactation consultant .
The Lactation Consultant, is responsible for providing support for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad. The tasks include assessment, planning, interventions, and evaluation of lactation support and education for clients in the postpartum period at the Women’s Health Center and Pediatric Department.

“Breastfeeding is nature’s health plan.”
-Author Unknown

Good Day
Dr.Sowmya NS