Why breast is best!

World Breastfeeding Week 2016 from August 1 to 7 is currently being held in countries around the world to create awareness about the importance of exclusively breastfeeding newborns for the first six months of their lives. Recent years have seen a number of international celebrities not only speak about the positive impact that breastfeeding has both on the mother and baby, but have also posted pictures of themselves on social media in order to encourage women to breastfeed.Supermodel Gisele Bundchen made headlines when she posted a picture of herself breastfeeding her daughter, Vivian Lake, while her team got her ready for an event. A number of other celebs have followed suit and posted similar pictures, much to the delight of doctors around the globe.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Gynaecologist Dr Nilesha Chitre says that support for breastfeeding is universal. “WHO states that breast milk is ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. Breastfeeding is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of the mother. WHO recommends continued, frequent, on demand breastfeeding until two years of age and beyond. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of respiratory infection and diarrhoea. It also lowers the risk of asthma, food allergies, Type 1 diabetes and leukemia in children. Certain studies say that breastfeeding may improve cognitive development and decrease the risk of obesity in adulthood. Benefits of breastfeeding include less blood loss following delivery, better uterus shrinkage, weight loss and lower chances of postpartum depression. Long term benefits may include a decreased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis,” he says.
An ideal diet for feeding mothers
According to healing diet specialist Dhvani Shah, while breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful experiences of motherhood, it is not a walk in the park and a lot of new mothers can have difficulties in feeding babies. “Nowadays, modern mothers are aware about lactation consultants — breastfeeding experts who help mothers in the technical part of it. However, many women get confused between expert advice and the one received from family members and friends. During pregnancy, women gain extra weight, which is a sign that the body is preparing for lactation. After birth, lactating mothers burn approximately 550 calories everyday to produce milk. The recommended calorie intake may vary among mothers, depending on their age, height, weight and physical activity levels,” she says.
“Lactating mothers should not take any herbal or natural supplements without consulting their doctor. They should also avoid alcoholic beverages. If an occasional, alcoholic drink is consumed, then breastfeeding should be avoided for two hours after the drink. HIV+ve mothers have to avoid breastfeeding for the concern of viral load in breast milk. Other infections of concern could be active untreated tuberculosis or human T lymphotropic virus,” adds Dr Chitre.
What to eat and avoid
A combination of cereals and pulses (rajma chawal, whole grain, puran poli, khichdi, mung etc) provide plenty of protein, calcium and iron. “Three teaspoons of ghee per day are also recommended. Ghee contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) that help in a baby’s brain development. A diet packed with fruits and vegetables is also important. Have a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables each day — this will help both mother and baby get essential nutrients. Nuts and seeds are super healthy and most mothers aren’t eating enough of them. They are a great natural source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, magnesium, protein, fat, and fibre. Your seeds list should comprise chia seeds, flax seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Babies get their nutrients from breast milk, which predominantly comprises water. Hence, it is important for mothers to be well-hydrated. Apart from plain water, have lots of jeera water, fennel water, coconut water, lemon water, vegetable juices, etc,”advises Shah.
Tips for lactating mothers

Celebs who advocate breastfeeding include

Commonly asked questions
When should one start breastfeeding?
A woman can start breastfeeding as soon as she delivers. Usually, a baby is given breast milk within half an hour of delivery. The baby should be breasted whenever he/ she demands. Typically, a baby requires to be fed every two to three hours.
How does one know if breast milk is adequate for the baby?
Remember, after delivery in the first 10 days, the child loses about 10 per cent of birth weight. If your baby is gaining weight adequately, passes urine 10 to 12 times a day, passes stool four to five times, is not crying constantly or irritable, it indicates that the child is adequately breast fed.
Why is breast milk better than milk formula?
Breast milk is the best for babies. Though milk formulas are available, they are no replacement for natural breast milk. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of cold, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhoea and sudden infant death syndrome. Colostrum, the first milk produced by a mother contains immunoglobulin’s IGA and IGG, which protect the child against various infections. Breastfeeding also helps in proper growth and development and preventing allergies.
Is the milk same at all times?
The first milk is thick, yellow and called colostrum. Breast milk can be divided into
Foremilk: It is watery and quenches the thirst of the baby.
Mid Milk: It is a little thick and contains proteins and antibodies.
Hind Milk: It is thick, contains fat and provides satiety.
It is necessary that baby gets all the types of milk to develop immunity and adequate growth.
What should one keep in mind?
Drink lots of water before breastfeeding.
Wear a clean and supportive bra, and clean the breast before feeding.
Ensure you are in a comfortable position and use pillows if required for support.
Be mentally relaxed and eat nutritious food every two to three hours.
Ensure that you burp the child after every feed.
How long should one breastfeed?
Exclusive breastfeeding should be done for six months. Later, you can breastfeed the child for as long as you desire. Usually, babies are breastfed till the age of two.
— Nursing expert and principal at a nursing institute, Avani Oke