Breastfeeding or nursing is a personal choice for mothers, however, it is the most important and the only pure form of rich nutrition for a newborn baby up until at least 6 months of age & most paediatricians will advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6months after which solids can be introduced into the babies diet along with breastmilk until the child reaches the age of one year.

Colostrum is the first milk the mother produces just prior to giving birth and after giving birth for about 2-5 days after. It is a yellowish liquid substance which is high in antibodies and is the most precious milk for the babies healthy development. You can think about it as a vaccine which is an artificial substance that is introduced in the body to create antibodies against specific diseases. Colostrum is rich in white cells along with antibodies which help strengthen the baby’s immune system. Apart from developing immunity, this precious liquid also protects the baby’s gut lining from infections, acts as a laxative to help babies pass their first stool, it aids in preventing jaundice and is a complete nutritious meal containing high levels of fat, proteins, vitamins etc, for the developing brain, heart and other vital organs for the baby. 1-4 tablespoons a day are produced which is enough for the baby.

Soon later the colostrum is replaced naturally by ‘transitional milk’ which is a mixture of colostrum and more mature milk and is lighter in colour and creamier in texture. When this happens the baby’s gut also matures and is now ready to take on this milk.

Almost all mothers can produce breastmilk and should breastfeed apart from HIV positive and mothers who have active Tuberculosis. Even if a mother has other underlying health issues she can always ask her Obgyn to help her lactate. Lactation is a natural instinct that usually happens naturally when the baby is latched on or when the baby cries. Oxytocin a hormone is released that induces lactation. Nursing is a technique that mothers eventually pick up with practice. It’s all about correct ‘latching’ technique to allow the baby to suck on the breast and receive milk. It’s therefore important that first-time mothers read and learn in advance everything there is to know about nursing to avoid any unnecessary apprehensions. A midwife or obstetrician can help answer any questions and clear any misunderstandings or myths surrounding nursing. There are also breastfeeding classes where mothers are taught how to nurse correctly.

How Do You Breastfeed?

This is definitely the next question on the minds of most ‘mothers-to-be’. The steps are as easy as follows:

1. Find a comfortable position- Remember you have to be relaxed and comfortable before you start. You can even have pillows to support your baby whilst nursing. Find your ‘comfortable’ position as this varies from mother to mother.
2. Find a comfortable position for your baby- After you are comfortable and relaxed, it’s now time to have the baby in a comfortable position where the baby’s head and chest are aligned and facing your breast.
3. Latch On- This is probably the trickiest for new moms. However, it’s not difficult at all and with practice, this can easily be achieved. You need to remember your baby’s mouth has to be open wide like when it yawns, to achieve this you can touch your finger to its lower lip. When the mouth opens, quickly bring your baby to your nipple.
4. Let You Baby Suckle- Remember to let your baby decide how long to nurse, don’t pull off and if your baby falls asleep you can stimulate it by gently putting your finger under its chin or tugging gently on its ear.
5. End with a burp- Always end with a burp by bringing the baby upright with his/her head on the shoulder.

A newborn baby is usually fed every 2 hrs (8-12 times) in a day. With time you learn to feed on demand, i.e. only when the baby is hungry. Again you can always ask your doctor if you have any uncertainties.

Some Benefits of Nursing-

For Mother:

1. Promotes weight loss- breastfeeding is great to lose all that weight gained during pregnancy. It can burn upto 500 calories a day.
2. Oxytocin that stimulates lactation is also good to boost happy mood.
3. It’s good for bonding between mother and child.
4. Can lower risk for certain cancers such as breast & ovarian.
5. Reduces the risk of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

For Babies:

1. Increases immunity in babies, building stronger immune systems.
2. Reduces diarrhoeal diseases and promotes a healthy gut.
3. Promotes a healthy respiratory system reducing risks for pneumonia, RSV and whooping cough.
4. Helps reduce rate for infant mortality and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
5. Reduces risk for developing asthma, allergies, eczema in childhood.
6. Has some protection against developing childhood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphomas.
7. Can help lower risk for developing type 1 & 2 diabetes as well as Chron’s Disease & Colitis.
8. Prevents childhood obesity.