The importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the newborn.

 

The diet of a neonate is one of the most important factors contributing to the child's health. However many mothers still lack the awareness regarding the dietary needs of a neonate.

What is a neonate? 

According to nelson manual of paediatrics,The neonatal period of life is defined as the first 28 days of life . How you feed your newborn is the first and perhaps one of the most important decisions a parent makes for the child. 

The optimal feed for a newborn is always breast milk. 

According to the American academy of paediatrics, a baby should be "exclusively" breastfed till the age of 6 months , after which solid food items should be added gradually to its diet. Across all literature on paediatrics , breast milk is considered to be the most ideal feed for a newborn. 

Breast milk is perfect for the neonate's digestive system. Formula feeds try to imitate breast milk and may come close, but can never be a match for breast milk. 

Advantages of breast milk. 

There are multiple reasons why it's believed to be the best.

• It's easy on the baby's digestive system.
• It contains all the nutrients the newborn needs in just the right proportions.
• It contains antibodies that help protect the vulnerable neonate against infections and various illnesses.
• It changes constantly to match the needs of the growing child.
• It's available anytime and anywhere, always at just the right temperature. 
• It's free!!
• It's good for the environment as it has no waste associated with it.
• Establishes a strong bond between mother and child.
• Also reduces the risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes in the mother according to some studies. 
• Helps decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

Guidelines on feeding your newborn.

The baby should be breastfed as soon as it's born. Afterwards, it's recommended by paediatricians that a baby be fed with atleast 2 hour intervals in between each meal . Always make sure to hold the baby upright preferably or at an incline and make it burp after the feed as it reduces risk of aspiration.  

DISCLAIMER: Always consult your doctor if you are taking any medications or suffering from any infection before starting breastfeeding.