Last Updated on August 20, 2024

Dr. Devika Gunasheela, the famous Fertility Specialist speaks of the advantages of breastfeeding and Aadya Milk Bank, which helps to provide every baby the necessary nutrition. In the spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, please spread the word and help breastfeeding moms out there.

World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1st to 7th, emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their infants. Though most mothers accept this natural process others have hardships that make it near impossible to continue. This article is intended to inform on the importance of breastfeeding, some of the reasons many mothers are deterred from it, how long they should do it, the advantages of it and finally ways to make it work.

Why Breastfeeding is Important

Breast milk is well balanced with proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that a baby needs to grow and develop. Not to mention all the antibodies in breast milk that help keep the baby from getting every little sickness and infection.

Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between mother and child, providing emotional benefits that are vital for a baby’s development. This special bond can be strengthened through the physical proximity and skin to skin contact of breastfeeding.

Common Reasons Some Mothers Avoid Breastfeeding

It’s like breastfeeding, it’s the best thing for the baby but some mothers have difficulty with it for some reason.

Lack of Support: Most moms don’t get a lot of support from family and friends, and that makes the whole breastfeeding thing very intimidating.

Physical Discomfort: Some mothers experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, particularly in the early stages, due to issues like sore nipples or engorgement.

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Work and Time Constraints: Balancing work or busy schedules can make it difficult for some mothers to maintain a consistent breastfeeding routine.

Concerns About Milk Supply: Concerns over not having enough milk can cause many mothers to give supplementary formula or completely wean the child off of the breast.

Recommended Duration for Breastfeeding

Well according to doctors and the World Health Organization, a baby should be exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of its life. Six months is enough, but it’s good to continue to breastfeed and start introducing solids. Breastfeeding is encouraged to continue up to two years and beyond, along with complementary foods.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For Babies:

Strengthening the immune system, and being less likely to get infections and diseases.

Promotes healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity.

Supports cognitive development and improves intelligence scores.

For Mothers:

Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Aids in losing the baby fat and decreases chances of type 2 diabetes.

And it delays menstration, so it would help space out pregnancies.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Start Early: Nursing should start within the first hour after delivery because it stimulates lactation and the baby has an innate urge to nurse at that time.

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Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: And Don’t forget to drink lots of water and eat healthy to produce the milk. Nutrient food will be good because it will be better breast milk.

Seek Support: Do not hesitate to ask doctors, nurses or breastfeeding support groups. They can provide proper advice.

Be Patient: Breastfeeding is a difficult thing to do especially in the beginning but with time and practice, it starts to come naturally. Persistence is key.

Express and Store Milk: If you will have to go back to work or be absent from your baby, then you better know how to express and keep your breast milk. This ensures your baby continues to receive breast milk even when you are not present.

Aadhya Human Milk Bank: For mothers who are unable to produce enough milk, the Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital offers a valuable resource: a milk bank. It’s such a great resource because it allows every baby to have the opportunity to get the nutrients from breast milk even if his/her mother isn’t able to produce it. The Gunasheela Human Milk Bank, known as “Aadya”, is a collaborative effort between Gunasheela and the Rotary Club of Bangalore Junction. It provides donated breast milk at no cost to families in need, particularly aiding premature or ill infants. For more information or to donate breast milk, individuals can contact the hospital directly.

Breastfeeding is such a natural and healthy thing that provides so many benefits for the mom and the baby. In the spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, let’s spread the word about how important it is and help moms through any difficulties they may face. It is imperative that all premature infants (the largest group that needs special nutritional support) receive the proper nutrition through breastfeeding. But, with the proper direction and will power, breastfeeding is a rewarding experience that lays the groundwork for a healthy future. That way we can create an atmosphere that will make it easier for moms to be able to breastfeed, and give their babies the best possible start.

Dr. Devika Gunasheela

(This article is written by Dr. Devika Gunasheela, a distinguished fertility specialist and the Managing Director of Gunasheela Surgical Maternity Hospital and Fertility Center in Bangalore, India. With decades of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Devika Gunasheela is dedicated to helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood).

Reference Pictures Credit: Pexels


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