WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

Celebrating the World breastfeeding week (1st Aug-7th Aug)

Theme of the year: Empower Parents, enable breastfeeding- Now and for the future.

We all know that breastfeeding is a very natural process, but the pity is that at today’s date there is a need to promote breastfeeding. When we all know that nature has given the wonderful power of nurturing the baby through breastfeed then why we are trying to interfere with it and leading toward artificial feeds. Why the introduction of honey, ghutti etc is there to such small babies when it’s world-wide known fact that it can be dangerous for them. Do you really think that providing that ghutti through one of your family member will transfer that person’s qualities to the baby?



Are we really living in 21st century?

My idea is not to offend anyone here but I am trying to find the reasoning. We should think before we do anything instead of just blindly following the unnecessary rituals or beliefs which can put our little one’s health on risk.
Now the question that might come to your mind is what to do in case if someone can’t breastfeed. So the answer is have you seen any animal’s baby having artificial feed; similarly our baby also has a right on mother’s milk only and

"THERE IS NO SUCH MOTHER WHO CAN’T BREASTFEED HER BABY"

It’s the Biggest MYTH and the challenge in INDIA is to break that myth.

Yes it’s true that breastfeeding can come across various challenges like delayed milk supply, sore nipples, heaviness etc. but believe me all this is temporary and the only thing which is required to overcome all the challenges is RIGHT INFORMATION AND RIGHT ADVICE at the RIGHT TIME. So here comes the role of family who should be patient and supportive enough to encourage breastfeeding rather than giving substitutes like formula feed or bottle feed; role of partner who can support the mother with various things like burping the baby, swaddling, swaying or cleaning the baby at times to give the adequate rest to mother.

Government is also spending lot of money to create awareness about early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months, creating breastfeeding rooms, provision of maternity leaves till 6 months –Why?






So that we have enough resources and time to give a healthy and happy life to our munchkins

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To establish a successful breastfeeding work on 3T’s:

Timing: Early initiation of breastfeeding is very important; do not delay it. As soon as you get the baby start feeding.

Techniques: Right positioning and latch as half of the problems come because of the wrong holding.

Trials: Breastfeeding works on demand and supply so give enough time and multiple trials; as practice makes you perfect.

Last but not the least; do not hesitate to seek for help of a lactation consultant as this is her domain to give you the correct guidance and clear myths from realities.


So once again MARK my words:

Every woman can feed her child naturally; you just have to find a way and when there is a will; there is Always a way.

Thank you

Dr Kavita Mehta (PT)
Lactation consultant and a proud mother of 3 year old Son.

For any queries reach out at kavita.mehta@fortishealthcare.com/kavita.physio@gmail.com