BREASTFEEDING has no substitution

BREASTFEEDING WEEK (Aug 1-7) SPECIAL

This is an eye-opener article for all those mothers who avoid their infants from breastfeeding for the fear of their breast will go shapeless and unattractive. Modern mothers, who fear that they will lose their charm, their beauty, and their sex and energy if they breastfeed their child, should know that breastfeeding has no substitution. No any formula milk or top feeding can fulfill requirements a baby needs. In fact, breast milk is an infant’s birthright which he must not be deprived of.

Breast milk is quite natural and full of appropriate nutrients for the baby which he needs at the time when the growth and development rates are maximal. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent diseases and reduces health care. Breast milk is clean, free from bacteria and has mother’s antibodies that helps the baby avoid or fight off infections. Besides other benefits breast milk is readily availabe to the baby as well as it is economical and free from contamination.

On the other hand, formula feeding helps increase lower morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for up to one year or two years or more. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life "provides continuing protection against diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection" that are more common in babies fed formula. Study shows that 16 per cent of neonatal deaths could be averted if all infants were breastfed from the very first day of birth and 22 per cent if breastfeeding was started within the first hour itself.

Breastfeeding is not only essential for babies but for mothers too. It enhances emotional bond between the child and the mother, provides warmth, love, and affection. Study shows that long duration of lactation reduces risk of heart disease in women, and breastfeeding mothers also have less risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

This year, World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7) under the theme of “Breastfeeding - A vital emergency response. Are you ready?” is being organized with an aim to encourage breastfeeding among mothers and improve the health of babies. The theme emphasizes the need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding to make children healthy and strong.