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Why breastfeed?

Breastmilk is the natural food for babies. It is important you breastfeed your baby because:
It is a complete food containing all your baby's nutritional needs for the first 6 months of life.
It satisfies both hunger and thirst; extra water is not needed.
It increases a baby's resistance to infection and disease.
It lessens the risk of allergy and food intolerance. Breastfeeding has it perks for the mothers too.
It helps your uterus return to normal sooner after childbirth.
It gives you a chance to rest as you breastfeed your baby.
Mothers who don't breastfeed have increased risks of cancer of the breast and ovaries, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding helps create a close and loving bond between you and your babyIt's convenient, cheap and always available
It's the freshest, cleanest and safest food you can offer your baby.
It quickly soothes a crying baby.
How soon after birth should breastfeeding begin?
The first milk that comes after childbirth is called colostrum. It is thick and full of essential antibodies and nutrients for your baby. Most babies have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so if you are both well, you must start straight away.  No matter what technique you use to breastfeed, when your baby is positioned correctly for breastfeeding, it should not hurt you. Initial tenderness is normal. Pain is not. So if you experience any pain consult your doctor.
How often should I breastfeed?
Your breasts make milk in response to your baby's sucking. The more milk the baby takes, the more milk you make. It is understood that the more you try and feed during the initial days the better your supply will be later on. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until babies are 6 months of age. It is best to breastfeed your infant until 12-24 months along with other recommended age appropriate food stuff after 6 months of age.
Many young babies feed between 8-12 times in 24 hours. Many young babies may need more than this number.
Avoid formula milk completely as it will reduce your baby's needs to suck at the breast and so reduce your supply.
How can I help my baby to get the milk?
Your milk will flow more easily if you are relaxed and comfortable at feed times. This is not always easy in those early days when everything is new and strange and you and your baby are still getting to know each other.
The following hints may help:
Eat healthy as a mother’s diet is important during breastfeeding. You don’t need to eat for two but eat healthy wholesome foods.
Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated
Cuddle your baby close to you, skin-to-skin, before offering the breast
If your baby is too sleepy to feed and you are taking medications, ask your doctor if they could be affecting your baby
Talk to your doctor if pain from stitches is making you tense
Breathing slowly and deeply may help you relax
Remember, a baby's tummy is about the size of its clenched fist so she/he will need to breastfeed little and often.
How do I know my baby is getting enough?
You know your baby is getting enough breastmilk if he/she:
is breastfeeding frequently (at least 8 times over 24 hours, and often more frequently than this)
has plenty of pale, wet nappies (at least 5 disposable or 6-8 cloth nappies in 24 hours)
has 2 or more soft bowel motions a day (babies older than around 6 weeks may have less than this and may not poor for a week or more, but when they do, it is soft)
is gaining weight and has some periods in which she seems reasonably alert, active and happy.
How can I increase my milk supply?
Breastmilk insufficiency is very rare. The more you feed and the more resolved you are at breastfeeding your baby the better your supple will get. If you feel your supply is low, don’t give up hope you can increase supply by:
breastfeeding your baby more often
taking things easy for a few days and asking for help from family with household work
relax and hold your baby skin-to-skin to encourage him/her to feed more often.
Remember that the more milk your baby takes from your breasts, the more milk you will make. It will take a week or longer of more frequent feeds to see a real increase in milk supply.

(This column has been written by medical specialists at Apollo Hospitals India. This is a health awareness initiative of AsiaMed Connect in partnership with Apollo Hospitals India and with the cooperation of The Independent in Bangladesh. For free online medical consultation readers may send emails to consultationamc@gmail.com.)