Question: Is breast feeding absolutely essential? Can one give top milk or powder formula available in tins, immediately after birth?
The newborn babe must be breast fed. Mother and child who have to turn to any other milk are unfortunate indeed. Mother’s milk is custom-designed by Nature for her child, just as cow and buffalo milk is meant for their respective young ones. Providing food and nourishment is not the only function of breast feeding. It is advantageous to both mother and child. The child feels secure and fulfilled. The touch is as comforting as the food is nourishing. The mother is similarly affected. Physical proximity lays the foundation for a unique bond. A mother who can feed her child acquires confidence. Not only this, she is also gratified about the success of her motherhood. This feeling of satisfaction plays a positive role in moulding the future mental make-up of the child. Breast milk is not just a mixture of protein, sugar and fat but contains the same percentage of white blood cells as is present in the blood. This reduces the danger from infection and viruses and helps to ward off diarrhea, cough, fever and other illnesses. A suckling child is less likely to suffer from ailments like skin diseases, allergies and breathlessness (asthma). The warmth of bodily contact and the magic touch help to create the bond of intimacy between mother and child.

Question: Should the mother adopt a sitting or sleeping position while breast feeding?
Feeding while lying down and turning over on one side is fairly prevalent in many villages. In the south, there is great insistence on the lying-down posture. The mother is not allowed to sit up and feed. However, it is wise to adopt a sitting position right from the word go. For the first 1-1/2-2 months, the baby’s body is soft and supple and easily bent. The mother should sit comfortably on the floor or the bed with legs crossed and with the support of a cushion. To hold the baby at breast :
(a) Place a pillow in your lap.
(b) Keep the child on a small quilt and lift him towards the breast.
(c) Support the head with the crook of your arm and make sure the body inclines downwards from the head.
(d) Direct the nipple to the child’s mouth.
At around 3 months, the child’s body gets heavier and firmer and is, therefore, easier to handle. The pillow is no longer needed. The mother can sit in a chair and feed the baby.
If the mother wishes to lie down and feed the baby, she must use a pillow, turn on her side and incline her body towards the child. The baby’s head should rest in the crook of her arm. The other hand should hold and direct the breast towards the baby’s lips. Immediately after a feed, the child should be held upright with the head resting on Mama’s shoulder and be made to burp. Hold the child until it burps. This is to prevent vomiting. During breast feeding a little air does enter the stomach. Burping is necessary to get rid of this air.

Question: How does the mother’s diet affect breast milk?
In a majority of cases, the child gets maximum nutrition from its mother. Although all these nutritive elements may not be present in the mother’s meal, her milk usually contains everything that is present in the milk of a relatively better fed mother. However, a mother who consumes more fatty food is likely to have a greater percentage of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E) in her milk than the lesser nourished mother. Medicines also enter the milk. Small doses do not have adverse effects but if the mother has to be on long-term medication, she should consult her doctor about the advisability of breast feeding.

Question: Is it necessary to feed the child at both breasts? How long should a feed last?
Whether or not both breasts must be emptied while feeding, will depend on the child’s hunger and the amount of milk. If the milk is flowing adequately, the child may be satisfied with a feed from just one breast. If not, the child may wish to continue sucking and appears to ask for more. It should be put to the other breast immediately. A child is usually satisfied after 10 minutes at each breast. Some babies seem to suck greedily and quickly swallow the milk like little gluttons. Their hunger is appeased in less than 10 minutes.
If, even after feeding for 20-25 minutes, the child appears dissatisfied and hungry or continues to make sucking sounds or cries at being parted from the nipple, you may presume that lactation is inadequate. Do not be tempted to start on top milk in such a case. Rather, increase the frequency of breast feeds. The frequency of sucking and the periodic emptying of breasts facilitate the flow of milk. Instead of keeping the child for a long time at the breast and giving widely spaced feeds, reduce the interval between the feeds, making them shorter and more frequent. This serves the dual purpose of fulfilling the child and increasing the flow of milk.

Question: What can be done if there is very little or no breast milk?
Nature usually works miracles within the body during pregnancy whereby, a mother can feed her child soon after delivery because mother’s milk provides a complete and balanced diet for the newborn baby. Breast feeding should begin two hours after the delivery and should continue thereafter at intervals of 2 hours.
The breast should be offered whenever the child is hungry. Adequate food and water ensure adequate breast milk. Physical and mental peace and sufficient sleep are necessary for successful breast feeding.
Do not be in a hurry to switch over to the bottle in case of inadequate or no lactation. Encourage the child to suck frequently by putting him to the breast every now and then. This constant sucking at the nipple facilitates the flow of milk. After the child has been fed, excess milk should be extracted by rubbing the breasts gently, i.e. the breasts should be emptied. Both these (frequent sucking and emptying of breasts) are conducive to the flow of milk. Any kind of worry, such as anxiety over a weak child, apprehension of not getting leave or a hostile atmosphere within the home, may be responsible for reducing or even drying up the milk produced. Thus, family members, friends and relatives must make every effort to keep the mother in good cheer. The mother’s primary duty is towards her child. Everything else takes second place. If for some reason or due to unfortunate circumstances, anxiety is unavoidable, she should try to divert her mind and aim actively at remaining unperturbed.