Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best start for a baby. Breast milk is perfectly adapted to a newborn — it contains the right balance of nutrients, antibodies that protect against infection, and factors that support the baby's growing immune system and gut. Babies who are breastfed have fewer diarrhoea episodes, fewer chest infections, less allergy, less obesity and slightly higher scores on developmental tests.

National and WHO recommendations

• Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth — this applies to both normal and caesarean deliveries.
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months — no water, honey, formula, gripe water, or any other food or fluid. Breast milk meets all a baby's needs in this time.
• Continue breastfeeding along with age-appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years and beyond.

The first feed — colostrum

The first yellowish milk (colostrum) is often discarded in some Indian households — this is a mistake. Colostrum is extremely rich in antibodies; it is often called the baby's first vaccine. Give it from the first hour.

Common worries — usually manageable

• "Is my milk enough?" — most mothers make enough for their baby. Signs of enough milk: 6-8 wet nappies a day, regular stool, and expected weight gain. If in doubt, visit a lactation consultant.
• Sore, cracked nipples — usually from poor latch. A lactation consultant, ASHA worker or trained Health Expert can watch the feed and correct it.
• Engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis — warm compress, gentle massage, frequent feeding from that side; seek help early for persistent redness/fever.
• Low milk supply is real but uncommon — usually helped by frequent feeding, correct latch, skin-to-skin contact, and support.
• Going back to work — express milk; store correctly; India's Maternity Benefit Act guarantees crèche access in larger workplaces and paid feeding breaks.

When breastfeeding needs extra care

• Preterm or low-birth-weight babies — often need specific help; milk banks exist in some Indian cities.
• HIV-positive mothers — with treatment, breastfeeding is usually recommended in India; follow obstetrician and paediatrician advice.
• Certain maternal medicines — many are safe in breastfeeding; a Health Expert can check. Don't stop breastfeeding without asking.
• Very few conditions genuinely require stopping breastfeeding — get a proper opinion, don't switch to formula on hearsay.

Mother's health during breastfeeding

• Eat well, drink fluids freely, keep iron-folic acid and calcium going as advised.
• Rest when you can.
• Seek help for postnatal low mood — it doesn't mean you love your baby less.
• Breastfeeding is protective against breast and ovarian cancer over a woman's life.