Why Must We Breastfeed the Child For 6 Months?

 Most parents of newborn babies must have heard that ‘breastfeeding is the best’. Breast milk provides certain nutrition for babies and has a perfect mix of proteins, vitamins, and fat. It comprises everything that a baby requires to grow and build immunity. Breast milk is also considered to be digested more easily than instant formula. While some women find it difficult to breastfeed, others simply decide not to. However, studies suggest that breastfeeding has several benefits and is important for both the child and the mother.

In this article, Dr. Promilla Butani, a leading general pediatrician in Delhi, has broadly explained why it is essential to breastfeed the body for six months. The expert pediatrician has more than five decades of extensive experience and caters to the medical needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

 Let’s Discover the Benefits of Breast Milk As Below:   

1. Breast Milk Offers Ideal Nutrition for the Babies

Many health authorities suggest that babies should be breastfed for at least six months. Breast milk contains everything that a newborn needs in the first six months of life in the appropriate proportions. Its composition adapts to the baby's fluctuating needs, especially during the first month of life. During the initial days of birth, the breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid (colostrum) that is high in protein, low in sugar, and has several compounds.

2. Breast Milk Contains Essential Antibodies

Breast milk is a vital source of antibodies that help the baby fight off various viruses and bacteria. When the mother is exposed to certain viruses and bacteria, her body starts producing antibodies. These antibodies secrete into the breast milk, which further passes on to the baby while breastfeeding. Immunoglobulins protect the baby from diseases and provide a protective layer in the baby’s nose and throat. One must understand that formula milk does not provide antibody protection for babies. The expert suggests that the chances of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection are higher in babies who are not breastfed.

If one has further questions about breastfeeding and is searching for a leading children pediatrician in Delhi, one can book a consultation with Dr. Promilla Butani at Dr. Promilla Butani’s Pediatric Practice.

Note: A pediatrician also recommends avoiding giving any other form of liquid, such as soup, water, tea, juice, or porridge, before six months.

3. Breast Milk Reduces the Risk of Diseases

Breastfeeding offers several health benefits. It reduces the baby’s risk of being vulnerable to many illnesses and infections like middle ear infections, colds, intestinal tissue damage, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergic diseases, celiac disease, diarrhea, and childhood leukemia. These amazing benefits of breastfeeding last throughout childhood and adulthood too.

4. Breast Milk Promotes Healthy Weight

Breast milk also promotes an ideal weight and helps prevent childhood obesity problems. According to a study, obesity rates are lower in breastfed babies as compared to formula-fed babies. Breastfed newborns learn to self-regulate their milk intake, which will assist them in developing healthy eating habits later in life.

What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers?

The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to babies alone. Mothers also have diverse benefits from breastfeeding.

• Breastfeeding cuts down on extra calories and helps the mother get rid of pregnancy weight faster. It also releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pregnancy body and reduces uterine bleeding after birth.

• Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

• A recent study also suggests that breastfeeding protects against heart disease and other ailments. It reduces the risk of experiencing osteoporosis, too.

• Breastfeeding also pauses menstruation and ovulation. This can be an effective way of ensuring there is enough time between pregnancies.

• Breastfeeding brings the mother closer to her child and allows her to bond with him or her. It is one of the best things to do to build a safe and loving relationship.

 How to Know if the Infant is Getting Sufficient Milk?

 Here are some of the signs that indicate whether the baby is getting enough milk:

• At least five or six wet nappies in 24 hours: Urine should be odorless and clear. A young baby will have three or more soft bowel movements for several weeks. Strong and dark urine indicates that a baby requires more breast milk, and one should seek medical advice if this happens.

• Good skin color: While pinching the baby’s skin, it must spring back in place.

• The baby is alert and does not want to feed constantly: It is normal for babies to have times when they feed more frequently and wake up for nighttime feeds.

• Baby’s Growth: There is weight gain and growth in length and head circumference.

If breast milk is not available, one can use instant formula. It offers the essential nutrition that the baby requires. After 6–12 months, soy milk or dairy milk can also be added partially, but only if the pediatrician recommends it.

How to Get the Baby to ‘Latch on’ During Breastfeeding?

The position of the baby should be towards the mother so that they do not twist their neck to feed. With one hand, cup the breast and stroke the baby’s lower lips with the nipples. With the hand supporting the baby’s neck, bring the mouth closer around the nipple. One will know if the baby is ‘latched on’ correctly when both lips are pursed outward around the nipple. The infant should have most of the areola in their mouth. If a mother feels a slight tingling, breastfeeding won’t be painful. Good latching prevents the nipples from hurting.

Where Can I Get Help With Breastfeeding?

For some mothers, breastfeeding could be simple, but for others, it may not be, and they might require help and assistance. If one requires assistance with breastfeeding, one can consult the leading pediatrician, Dr. Promilla Butani, a renowned general pediatrician in Delhi, at Dr. Promilla Butani’s Pediatric Practice. One can consult her to learn the various techniques of breastfeeding and several tips to help one breastfeed their infant with ease.

The leading pediatrician has been working in the field of child care since 1971, and besides guiding mothers with breastfeeding, she looks after community pediatrics, social pediatrics, adolescent pediatrics, preventive health care of children, Immunization/ vaccination of children from 0 to 18 years, and many more.

For more information, pay a visit to Dr. Promilla Butani’s Pediatric Practice today to get consulted by Dr. Promilla Butani.