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.