The first week of August (1-7) each year is celebrated as the world breastfeeding week. This is a week that focuses on spreading awareness about breastfeeding, and its importance for the health of the mother and the baby. With a unique theme each year, this week aims to
address the various concerns and taboos around breastfeeding. The 2024 theme, Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All, emphasizes the need to ensure that all mothers have access to the support they require for breastfeeding.
India witnessed a significant improvement in the numbers of breastfed babies in the
National Family Health Survey 5, as conducted during 2019-21. The percentage of exclusively breastfed babies up to six months of age increased from 54.9% as was in 2015-16, to 63.7% now. There was also a modest improvement seen in the percentage of babies that were
breastfed within one hour of birth, the current figure being 42.9% as opposed to 41.6% in the previous survey. The positive trend in breastfeeding practices in India is a reflection of
increased awareness and support. However, we still need to work and reach higher numbers by breastfeeding support for all.
Why Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is crucial for both, the mother and the baby and offers many long-term benefits in various aspects of health and growth.
Benefits for the Baby
Breastfeeding is like a magic formula for babies, here are some of the many benefits it offers to them.
Complete Nutrition: Babies up to six months of age need only breastmilk and no other food or drink including water. It is a complete blend of all the nutrients needed by the baby
including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Babies older than six months of age up to 24
months need breastmilk along with other food items. Breastmilk adapts to the changing needs of the growing baby and thus provides the perfect nourishment at each stage.
Better Immunity: Apart from all the nutrients breastmilk contains antibodies that help babies fight against infection. These antibodies pass from the mother to the child and protect them from various diseases. This means fewer infections in the baby including ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
Better Health: Breastfed babies not only have a stronger immune system but also have a lesser risk of developing many other diseases including lifestyle diseases. Some of these
include childhood obesity, leukaemia, and even type 2 diabetes. Apart from these breastfed babies are also less likely to have allergies.
By having more immunity, fewer infections, and better overall health. Breastfed babies and
infants also have lower rates of hospitalisation, and require lesser visits to the paediatrician.
More intelligence: Research suggests that breastfed babies have a higher IQ due to better cognitive development.
Easily digestible: Breastmilk is easily digestible and breastfed babies have lesser chances of colic, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Emotional benefit: Breastfeeding leads to a strong bond between the mother and the child. It provides them with comfort, and security, and also enhances their well-being.
Benefits for the mother
Breastfeeding is not just beneficial for the baby but for the mother too!
Protects against cancer: Moms who breastfeed have lesser chances of developing cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer to name a few.
Faster recovery from childbirth: Breastfeeding leads to the production of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone helps in the contraction of the enlarged uterus aiding in faster healing, and also reduces vaginal bleeding after delivery.
Lower risk of post-partum depression: Breastfeeding moms have lesser chances of post- partum depression, a common post-delivery concern.
Weight-loss: By burning extra calories, breastfeeding can also help new moms lose their pregnancy weight more quickly.
Breastmilk is hygienic and always available, and one doesn’t have to worry about preparing bottles or sterilisation. Moms can feed their babies anytime, anywhere without the risk of
infections.
Common questions concerning breastfeeding
When should breastfeeding be started?
Babies should be breastfed as early as possible after birth; the earlier the better. The first produced breastmilk is called colostrum. This has high nutritive value and immense immune properties. No other foods should be given at birth, and one should refrain from practices
like giving honey immediately after birth.
What about Pre-term Infants, can they be breastfed too?
Breastmilk is adequate and complete even for preterm low birth weight babies. For babies who have to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit after birth, expressed milk can be offered. In any case, it’s the mother’s milk that benefits the babies the most.
For how long should babies be breastfed?
Breastfeeding should be continued till the baby of 24 months of age (2 years) and beyond if possible. Infants and babies up to six months of age should be breastfed exclusively, they do not need even water. Complementary feeds should be started for babies from 6 months onwards, and breastmilk along with these food items should be the child’s nutrition till 2
years of age.
What if my child doesn’t latch well?
Breastfeeding support is available in abundance today. Mothers are encouraged to seek support from lactation consultants, and paediatricians regarding knowing the right position to latching. They should also seek support to understand and overcome challenges like cracked nipples and painful feeding. While one may see these concerns as big, they are smaller issues which if addressed immediately can lead to a smooth breastfeeding journey.
How do I know if my child is adequately fed?
Because one can’t measure the amount of milk the child consumes during breastfeeding, moms often get apprehensive if the baby is getting adequate food and nutrition.
Apprehensive moms tend to put their babies on formula! However, one should confidently feed them only breastmilk while keeping a note of feeding frequency, and number of wet diapers. If the baby is wetting at least six wet diapers each day then it’s a sign of adequate feeding. One must visit their paediatrician to check on the weight and overall growth of the baby to be satisfied that all is well.
What if I don’t produce enough breast milk?
Women may often get trapped into thinking that they may not be producing adequate breastmilk. This is yet another reason that they may start formula feeding. However, one
should remember that an adequate breastmilk supply is maintained if one feeds frequently and on demand. One should stay relaxed and not stress out about breastfeeding.
Consumption of a balanced diet and frequent breastfeeding will establish a good supply.
Breastmilk is a magical fluid with many benefits; it’s irreplaceable and works wonders for both the mother and the baby. One should refrain from any myths surrounding it, and seek support to overcome any initial challenges in breastfeeding to get the countless benefits from it. Together, let us take a step ahead and close the existing gaps in breastfeeding by seeking and providing support for it.

Author: Dr. Harshitha Reddy
Consultant Childbirth Educator & Lactation Specialist