World Breastfeeding Week 2017: Why it is important to breastfeed babies (from birth up to six months)

The Medela Breastfeeding Survey 2017 shows that 36% of new moms from Maharashtra fed their babies with formula after birth in the first hour.

For working mothers, it has always been a challenge to continue breastfeeding for six months after birth as recommended by the WHO. Lack of extended maternity leave, pumping facilities at the workplace, minimal breastfeeding support makes it difficult to carry on with the demands of breastfeeding. No wonder a large segment of women today are finding themselves caught between the role of the mother and that of a professional. Here are 10 myths on breastfeeding busted by experts.

The ground reality is that the most lactating mothers breastfeed their babies only for first three months and later switch to infant formula milk as they are not aware on how to continue with prolonged breastfeeding once they get back to work. Many mothers think that the entire process of pumping breast milk and storing it the right way is too cumbersome. So without the right help, they decide to stop breastfeeding once their maternity leave is over. Here are eight myths about breast pumps debunked.

While working mothers have their own set of issues which might prevent them from continuing breastfeeding, it is important that babies don't miss out on their first breastfeed after birth. The first milk or colostrum, a thick, sticky, yellow transparent liquid, also known as the first vaccine for the baby is crucial. This milk transfers antibodies and fighter cells from the mother to the infant. It gives protection against all types of infections and allergies. Here is all that you need to know about colostrum or baby s first food.

Despite these benefits, the initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour is quite low. As per the recent Medela Breastfeeding Survey 2017, 36% of new lactating mothers from Maharashtra fed their babies with formula feed immediately after birth in the first hour. The results further show that around 27% of new mothers mentioned that they fed their babies with formula due to doctor s recommendation.

This implies that the caregivers play a very important role in encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies instead of recommending formula as the first initiate immediately after birth. Commenting on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, Dr Ravneet Joshi, MD (Pediatrics)IBCLC at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru says that WHO recommends, babies should be exclusively breastfed for first six months of life and continue up to two years or beyond. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and bacteria, lower risk of asthma or allergies. Breastfeeding is a chance for the mother and the baby to connect, but it's also a way of calming a baby in a stressful situation. It's convenient. Extended breastfeeding does take some planning, which can be done without substituting breast milk with formula.

In the light of prevailing situations, there is a dire need to revive the breastfeeding culture, making mothers understand the importance of colostrum and building the emotional connect with the baby through breastfeeding.

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