“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never” quotes Osho. As we celebrate ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ from August 1st to 7th , MPB gets in touch with Wahida Satish Kumar, Peer counsellor of BSIM (Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers), a popular Facebook page that educates the importance of breastfeeding and breastmilk donation to all the mothers around the globe, and Lactation educator anecdotes the same. By Amritha Prem
When the mother is expecting, what is that one thing she ought to do?
Carrying a baby for eight to nine months is a golden period for every mom-to-be. She must use this valuable time to educate herself and gain knowledge on the different stages of pregnancy, foods to consume, what she can/ can’t expect etc., from experienced mothers globally. She can also seek guidance from a lactation expert or educator to clarify her doubts and stay relaxed.
She must also educate the same to her partner and support system for a happy delivery.
Why is breastmilk considered the best food for one’s baby?
Breastmilk is considered the foundation of life. It consists of proteins, water, vitamins, carbohydrates and several other nutrients etc.and also easily digestible, thus helping in baby’s growth and development throughout. Also, breastmilk boosts immunity thus preventing the baby from infections and other diseases.
When can mothers’ start breastfeeding and what is the duration of it?
As soon as the child is born, within an hour a mother can breastfeed her child. WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends up to two years of breastfeeding and more if required. BSIM group mothers’ have breastfed their child up to three years with ease.
How to get rid of breast pain after feeding?
Symptoms like burning sensation, pain, sore nipples are quite common in the initial days but applying ointments or massaging with virgin coconut oil will provide a quick relief. Other problems such as tongue tie, latch ought to be consulted with the lactation expert or pediatrician.
Why must one prevent from feeding water, honey or sugar water to the baby up to six months of completion?
Breastmilk can be classified into three layers such as:
Top thin layer consisting of fat
Middle large layer consisting of milk and
Bottom thin layer consisting of water which is more sufficient for the baby until six months of completion. Also, honey is harmful to the baby because it consists of a bacteria called botulism which effects the gut of the baby severely.
MYTH: Milk is classified into foremilk (consists of less fat) and hindmilk (consists of more fat)
Which position is the best when it comes to breastfeeding?
Lying comfortably on one side of the bed and breastfeeding the baby is one best position vouch, several mothers, and experienced doctors. Mothers can either use a soft pillow or wrap a towel to hold the baby’s head while feeding in this position.
MYTH: Feeding a baby when he/she is in the lying position is considered to be one kind of abuse as the food can’t be chocked in this position.
When can mothers indulge in weaning their babies?
Within six months of completion, mothers can indulge in weaning their babies. Solids, puree, steamed fruits and vegetable can be given in small portion in a seated position compulsorily. There are two types of weaning available such as traditional weaning – feeding the baby as taught by our ancestors or Baby- Led Weaning (BLW) – where the baby starts eating by himself/herself using their hands or spoons thus boosting their cognitive and motor skills.
Can you brief about breastmilk donation?
Breastmilk can be donated from anywhere/anytime. It is easy and becoming quite popular in Chennai. Every month up to four mothers are coming up to donate their milk for nurturing the premature babies or babies who suffer from malnutrition.
Mothers who donate milk pump it up and preserve in bottles. They are sent to hospitals, and milk banks and only after medical tests and doctors’ advice it is fed to the baby. Child trust Hospital is acting as the hub for Chennai and breastmilk banks are emerging at Egmore, Nungambakkam etc.
How can one preserve the milk?
The pumped breastmilk can be preserved up to one year but it is not recommended. The list goes as follows:
- Household fridge freezer: 4 days
- Single door fridge freezer: 2 weeks
- Double door fridge freezer: 3 months
- Commercial freeze: 6 months to one year
Steps to feed:
- The frozen milk is converted from ice (solid) to milk (liquid) stage by keeping it overnight in the fridge.
- The thawed frozen to liquid milk can be immersed in a hot bowl of water to war up
- Before feeding baby, do check the temperature.
P.S Make sure you feed the breastmilk in paaladai, open steal cup instead of bottle. Make sure the edges aren’t sharp but smooth. If you are opting for bottles choose bottles which are colic free. This will avoid baby getting gassy while feeding from a bottle.
The same procedure can be followed by the working mothers as well.
Can you brief on Breastfeeding: A key to sustainable development?
Breastfeeding can put a full stop to end hunger and malnourishment. It helps in improving nutrition, promoting both the mother and baby’s health and well-being. It is a naturally available food hence requires no packing or wastage thus saving our planet in a greater way. By promoting breastfeeding one can put an end to formula foods who consider health as a business. It is not an individual’s growth but a country’s growth!
Breastfeeding rooms in public places – A boon in Chennai, your words on it.
These rooms are breaking the stereotypes and helps many mothers to breastfeed their babies in public at bay. Compared to other cities, Chennai and Chennai mothers’ are kinder and many are spreading awareness. It will be nice if all mothers come up to donate their milk creating a change for the betterment of the children – the future generation.
Donate milk, Save our children.
