Breastfeeding: A matchless food for infants

Suitable and appropriate way of exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of new born is the ideal recommendations.

- Dr B Ramesh

Breastfeeding is matchless way of providing perfect food for the healthy growth and development of babies. Global public health recommends, exclusive breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. This will aid to attain optimal growth, development and health of the infant. Subsequently, infants need nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods after 6 months with breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended because it contains all the necessary nutrients which are sufficient for a healthy growth and development of a baby.

Early initiation is important for neonatal survival and to protect new born from infection mortality. It also helps to establish a successful lactation because it stimulates contractions and expulsion of placenta. Apart from that it also develops a bond between a mother and a baby. Some delay is unavoidable in case of caesarean, but with general anaesthesia it can be initiated within a few hours.