What is breastfeeding?

As the term indicates itself, breastfeeding is simply feeding an infant with breast milk. It is usually done directly from the breasts of a woman. This process is also known as nursing. A newborn baby puts the breast’s nipple in his/her mouth and starts consuming the milk. Breast milk works wonderfully for infants under 6 months. It is the best meal for them, full of all the essential nutrients. Also, breastfeeding helps

minimise the risks of certain health conditions for both mothers and kids.

WHO Recommendations

According to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF recommendations, infants should start breastfeeding in the first hour after birth. They must be continuous to be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of age. It means mothers will not provide their infants with other liquids, food, or even water.

Different Phases of Breast Milk

Right from the day of childbirth, a mother’s breast milk undergoes three phases. Each phase is important to nourish your baby and fulfil its dietary needs.

Colostrum: Colostrum is the very first milk of the breasts. Your breasts start producing colostrum immediately after childbirth. It is yellow and thick in composition and full of nutrients for your infant. Babies need it in the first few hours and days to meet nutritional requirements.

Transitional milk is the phase of breast milk when mature milk starts to replace colostrum. Transitional milk usually comes in the first week after childbirth.

Mature milk is a thinner form of milk than colostrum. Infants require it since it still comprises all the necessary nutrients. Your breasts will start feeding your baby with mature milk about 10–15 days after birth.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is quite necessary for both mothers and infants. It is the top source of nutrients for newborn babies. Breast milk helps babies grow physically and mentally by meeting their daily dietary needs. Also, breastfeeding protects kids and mothers against certain diseases and other illness-causing elements. Here are some of the various advantages of breastfeeding:

Benefits for kids

Lowering the risks of asthma and obesity
Reduced chances of Type 1 diabetes
Preventing severe lower respiratory disease
Reducing gastrointestinal infections
Lowering the risks of sudden infant death syndrome

Benefits for mothers

Lowering the risks of type 2 diabetes
Balanced blood pressure
Helps avoid breast cancer
Minimises the risks of ovarian cancer

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is one of the best experiences in a woman’s life. Feeding your baby with all the essential nutrients during the first few months after birth is natural. Hopefully, readers will find this dedicated guide on breastfeeding valuable. It offers detailed information on several prospects related to breastfeeding.

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1. What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk that breasts produce right after childbirth. It is yellow in colour and thick in composition. It is full of all the nutritional values that a baby requires to meet his food needs.

2. What are the three phases of breast milk?

Breast milk undergoes three phases, from childbirth to later. Colostrum is the first phase that comes immediately after childbirth. It stays for a few days after birth. Transitional milk is the second phase when mature milk starts to replace colostrum. It appears around a week after birth. Mature milk starts coming 10–15 days after childbirth.

3. How long should I breastfeed my baby?

You must feed your baby breast milk for at least six months of its life. It should be continued until the end of the second year of life, along with other complementary foods.

4. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

There are certain signs of that. If they seem content for 2–3 hours before the next feed, They have at least six wet diapers a day.

5. How many times a day should I breastfeed my baby?

You should breastfeed your infant several times a day. It must be 8–12 times in 24 hours or as soon as your baby feels hungry.