Paediatrics
Breast feeding
Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is the process of feeding a mother's breast milk to her infant, either directly from the breast or by expressing (pumping out) the milk from the breast and bottle-feeding it to the infant.
What is breast feeding
Breastfeeding and breast milk provide an infant with calories and nutrients, including macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Breastfeeding, women who don't have health problems should exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least the first 6 months after birth. The AAP suggests that, if possible, a woman should try to continue breastfeeding her infant for up to 12 months, while adding other foods, because of the benefits to both the mother and the infant
Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby
- Breast milk is rich in the following nutrients:
- Carbohydrates - It is richer in lactose (7g/dl) as compared to cow milk (4.5g/dl) and provides more energy to the baby
- Proteins - It is richer in whey proteins (lactalbumin) which are more easily digestible than the casein in cow’s milk. Breast milk contains adequate amounts of amino acids like cysteine, taurine, and methionine which are essential for the development of the brain.
- Lipids - It is rich in PUFA and has adequate amounts of DHA which is essential for normal neurological development.
- Minerals - Breast milk favors calcium absorption thereby reducing the chances of hypocalcemia and the iron (Fe) is more easily absorbable.
- Vitamins - It contains adequate amounts of all vitamins except Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B12 (in strictly vegan mothers). Vitamin K injection at birth prevents hemorrhagic disease of newborn.
- Breastmilk contains anti-infective substances:
- TGF beta
- Phagocytic macrophages
- PABA
- Lactoferrin
- Lysozyme
- Antibodies especially IgA
- Anti-staphylococcal factor
- Breast milk protects against diseases like NEC (Necrotising enterocolitis), Neonatal sepsis, and also confers long-term protection against obesity, hypertension, diabetes, allergies, and dental caries
- Easily available and free from contamination
- Helps in maternal-child bonding
- Breast-fed babies have higher IQs
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
- Promotes faster weight loss
- Less postpartum bleeding
- Less chance of anemia
- Less chance of post-partum depression
- Reduces stress
- Lower incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis
Recommendations on Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization currently promotes a global public health recommendation that:
- Infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months after birth to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.
- After the first 6 months, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Common Challenges with Breastfeeding
- Sore nipples
- Dry, cracked nipples
- Inverted nipples
- Breast engorgement
- Blocked ducts
- Breast infection (mastitis)