BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding provides the nutrients needed by a young infant for a healthy growth and development. The yellowish, sticky breast milk called colostrum is the perfect food for the new born. Aside from providing the essential nutrients, breast milk also helps to protect your infant against some common illnesses and infections. World Health Organization or WHO recommended breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. WHO also suggests mothers to continuously breastfeed their babies exclusively up to 6 months of age and along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

Mothers must be well informed about the benefit of breastfeeding both for their children and for themselves. Certain types of cancer have believed to occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed even those women who have health problems. However, there are also rare exceptions where women are advised not to breastfeed their infants. Some medicines, illegal drugs and alcohol taken by the mother may harm their babies’ health. It is needless to say that mothers must be provided support from their family, the health care, and the society.

If you have concerns about breastfeeding you can check with your health care provider. Contact a lactation consultant if you are having problems with breastfeeding.