What are its’ benefits?
How often to be done?
For how long?
Benefits: It can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Reduce risk of allergy. Affects the development of facial bones
Duration: For 6 months extensively and till 10-12 months rarely.
How long: Regulated: until 3-6 months; Unrestricted: until 2 months of birth. Rarely after 6 months as it should be replaced by complementary food.
Proper breastfeeding practices are equally important as quantity and frequency of breastfeeding
From birth upto 6 months - exclusive Breastfeeding (not even water)
Benefits - immunity to infants
What are other options available if BREAST MILK is not in required quantity for new born ?
Remember: Galactosemia is an absolute contra-indication for milk.
Soy milk is the alternative to be given in such a situation.
#neonatology
Exclusively done for 6 months and complimentary with other feed uptil 2 years
It has got many benefits for the baby as well as for the mother too such as it builds immunity, provides nutrition, has components which are easilu digestible by infants, prevents infections like NEC prevents breast cancer, helps in uterus involution and also develops bonding between baby and the mother
It is frequently. Without any particular frequency, as when required by the baby and it is much more important to breastfeed the baby during night as well
Right! “Feeding on demand” is the schedule!
Breastfeeding is truly remarkable. For baby, it provides nutrition and antibodies, significantly reducing risks of ear infections, asthma, and obesity.
For mom, it aids in postpartum recovery, lowers risks of ovarian and breast cancers, and fosters that incredible mother-baby bond.
Advantages of Breastfeeding:
- For the Baby:
Provides ideal nutrition and antibodies.
Boosts immunity and reduces risk of infections.
Lowers risk of SIDS, allergies, obesity, and chronic diseases.
- For the Mother:
Promotes bonding and emotional connection.
Helps uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Burns calories and may reduce risk of breast/ovarian cancer.
#What Else to Know
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months.
Proper latch and positioning are key for effective feeding.
Hydration and nutrition are important for milk supply.
Seek support from lactation consultants if facing challenges.
Breastfeeding in public is legal and supported in many countries.
Combination feeding (breast + formula) is an option when needed.
benefits
For the baby:
Provides complete nutrition for the first 6 months
Strengthens immunity (rich in antibodies like IgA)
Reduces risk of infections (ear, GI, respiratory)
For the mother:
Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Supports emotional bonding and reduces postpartum depression
How often should it be done?
Newborns (0–6 weeks): Every 2–3 hours, or 8–12 times a day
After 6 weeks: Every 3–4 hours, most importantly feed on demand
For how long should breastfeeding be continued?
Exclusively for the first 6 months (no water or other foods)
Continue breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to 2 years as per WHO and AAP recommendations
Informative topic!
Breastfeeding is the main source of food for babies upto 6 months and the main source of energy loss of mothers.(just for fun). Being a mother i can tell that for sure. So all mothers feed yourself well to feed the kids.
For new born baby breastfeeding are helps in antibiotics for because in initial phase in nother milk gives antibiotics that helps in baby immunity boosting protect from pathogen and disease
It is recommended to do Exclusive breastfeeding, which means is that the infant is exclusively breastfed till 6 months of age. During this no additional foods or liquids needed!
Benefits:
- It contains all nutrients a neonate need in correct proportions.
- Carbs - lactose and Galactose, Human milk oligosaccharide(HMO - act as probiotics)
- Proteins - lactalbumin and lactoglobulin, also taurine and cysteine.
- Fats - Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega 2.
- Rich in IGA, macrophages, lymphocytes, lactoferrin, lysozymes, Bifidus factor and interferon.
- Benefits to mother - helps in uterine involution, reduces risk of PPH, provide contraception, reduces breast cancer risk, help in weight loss, prevents type 2 DM
- Breast-feeding gives child a natural immunity to fight with infections in early stages.
- It has good amount of antibodies , proteins , minerals , IGA antibody and is great source of nutrition and immunity for a newborn .
- Breast feeding can be required for 8-10 hours in a day .
- But these requirements changes as baby starts growing .
- According to WHO Breast feeding can last for usually 6 months after which some solids are combined with breast milk and given to baby .
Breastfeeding have lot of benefits for child as well as the mother’s. It’s plays an important role in maintaining and providing a good health to both individuals.
As breat milk contains antibodies which plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune system of the child.
Great to study about so many knowledgeable comments here.
Insightful information
Advantages of Breastfeeding
For the baby:
Delivers complete nutrition for the first 6 months.
Strengthen immunity (high in antibodies).
Reduces infection risk (ear, respiratory, diarrheal disease).
Fosters brain development and bonding.
For the mother:
Facilitates the uterus to return to normal faster.
Decreases postpartum bleeding.
Lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Fosters emotional bonding and decreases stress.
How Often Is It Done?
Newborns typically require feeding every 2–3 hours (8–12 times/day).
As infants develop, frequency might decrease but sessions can become longer.
Feeding “on demand” (when the baby needs it) is ideal.
??? How Long Should Breastfeeding Last?
Only for the first 6 months (no water, formula, or solids).
Keep breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least 2 years, according to WHO and UNICEF recommendations.
With so much accurate information about breastfeeding, I would like to highlight its beneficial impact on the development of baby teeth. During breastfeeding, the oral muscles are maintained in a proper position, which helps the permanent teeth erupt in the right position and direction.