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Breasts know a lot!

I wonder if  breasts have a mind of their own , The innate intellect they carry is quite well known . While my little angel was still in my womb, happily growing My breasts were showing changes too, they were preparing for future feeding The areolas suddenly darkened and nipples became perky Later I understood, it happened so that my baby could latch easily. My breasts became warm, the moment he was put to my chest They signalled for the miracle hormone to calm my nerves and help me rest The sweet scent of milk that my breasts emit, attracts my baby instantly The moment they hear his hunger cry, they also start leaking automatically. How on earth do they know what my baby wants and what he needs?? Its fascinating that they even modify my milk, depending on when and how long he feeds. One night I was sleepy, so I may have skipped a feed or two They woke me in the middle of the night with heaviness and pain , I knew what I had to do Even my doctor warned me , if I
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Heroes of my breastfeeding journey

(This poem is about a mother recollecting her breastfeeding journey and the struggles she faced and the kind of support she received along her journey.) I remember the first time when I held my precious one in my arm, his tiny little eyes, spreading all his charm. I wished that I could pour all my love onto him and keep him secure, protected and warm. I was so eager to provide him all the nourishment, give him my liquid gold and the best start to his life. But never had I imagined that breastfeeding him, would be such a strife. My doctor said, "This is just the begining of something wonderful. Patience and perseverance, is the key." He sent in the LC to my rescue, and within no time she miraculously got him latched onto me. Day by day I was mastering the skills and my little one seemed happy and glee. But the long breastfeeding hours and sleepless nights, were indeed taking a toll on me. My husband said please let me help, you need to rest befor

Breastfeeding - a joint responsibility

  Childbirth is an extremely emotional experience for all parents; it overwhelms them with love, happiness, excitement, a sense of responsibility as well as a lot of anxiety and exhaustion. The moment a child is first held in the arms, this amazing journey of parenthood begins. At the breast, the infant feels at home: warm, safe and protected. Breastfeeding nourishes, heals and creates an eternal bond.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. Just like all other mammals, the natural duration of breastfeeding in human beings is also somewhere between 2.5 to 7 years. This natural term weaning, helps mothers to continue to provide immunity and meet their baby's psychological needs as they grow and start exploring more. According to NFHS-5 data, the percentage of children under 6 months, who are exclusively breastfed in India is

Common problems associated with breastfeeding.

In this article you will find guidelines for troubleshooting the three most common problems associated with breastfeeding. Kindly note: These are only guidelines. A mother may have unique problems which require unique treatment that can be only given by personal (one-on-one) counselling from your lactation consultant after proper discussion. The common problems associated with breastfeeding are as follows: Flat or Inverted nipple Nipple Soreness/cracks Breast engorgement. 1.Flat or inverted nipple If the nipple is flat or inverted, you may find it difficult to latch the baby. In majority of the cases, flat nipples might not require much intervention if you allow the innate reflexes of your little one to play. Some simple steps to resolve this are as follows • Syringe suction method which can be taught to you by your LC or nursing staff. (Make sure it is done very lightly, too much of suctioning might cause nipple injury) • Manually stretching and rolling of the nipple between th

Breastfeeding is the best insurance plan for the mother and child

Mother’s milk provides optimal nutrition for the baby. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and all micro nutrients . It is a live fluid and is loaded with numerous immunological factors. The antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones make breast milk so special.  Breastfeeding offers many advantages to mother-infant pair. I have enlisted few important ones here Advantages offered by Breast milk and Breastfeeding For the baby: 1. All the nutrients are in appropriate proportion for optimal growth and development of the baby and it is tailor made as per baby's requirement. 2. Protects the baby from infections and allergies. 3.   It is contamination-free as it is transferred directly from the mother to the baby. 4. Breast milk is at  the right temperature and is  e asily digestible by the baby. 5. Mother's milk helps is brain growth and cognitive development of the tiny tot. 6. It provides protection against obesity, hypertensio

Breastfeeding: a boon for babies

  It is well known that breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for the baby, mother and the society as well. In addition studies have consistently shown that the benefits of breastfeeding last well into adulthood too. Mother produces milk specifically suited for her baby. Breast milk is a complex, living, biological fluid which contains just the right amounts of nutrients, in the right proportions. It is rich in immunoglobulins, enzymes, hormones, growth factors, macrophages, etc. Babies learn to regulate temperature and maintain stable breathing and heart rate while breastfeeding. Lactose in human milk enhances calcium absorption and metabolizes into galactose and glucose, which supplies energy to infant’s rapidly growing brain. Human milk contains numerous long-chain fatty acids including DHA and ARA. These lipids are responsible for cell membrane integrity in the brain, retinas and other parts of the baby’s body. Breastmilk contains a lot of