| Fact
: Colostrum is neither stale nor harmful
to the baby. Colostrum contains a lot of infection
fighting substances. It is rich in vitamins K
and A. It is highly nutritious and must be given
to the baby immediately after birth. It is the
first immunization of child. Hence, it is criminal
to discard it. |
| Baby should be given honey, sugar water
or jaggery water before the first breastfeed to
welcome him to this world. |
| Fact
: These substances given traditionally
before the first breastfeed are called prelacteal
feeds and are not necessary. They interfere with
establishment of breastfeeding and can introduce
infection into the newborn's vulnerable system. |
| Small breasts produce less milk. |
| Fact
: Milk production depends on secretory
glands in the breast that are same in number in
all breasts. Its supportive fatty and connective
tissue determine the size of a breast. Small breasts
produce milk as efficiently as large breasts.
|
| If a pregnant mother breastfeeds then
the baby in the womb may be harmed. |
| Fact
: Breastfeeding does not harm the baby
in the womb. A normal mother can continue to breastfeed
up to the last trimester of pregnancy, and if
she so chooses, even after the birth of a new
baby. This is called tandem feeding. She should
however ensure good nourishment for herself. A
pregnant woman with a risk of premature labor
should not breastfeed during pregnancy. |
| Malnourished mother produces lesser quantities
of inferior quality milk. |
Fact
: Breastmilk is produced at the mother's
expense. Even undernourished mother produce enough
quantity of milk for to ensure optimal growth
of their infants
for six months. Food and nutrition of the mother
does not affect the quality or quantity of her
breast milk. However, it is a good idea to give
a lactating mother extra calories in her diet. |
| Mother should not breastfeed the baby
when she is ill. |
| Fact
: During common illnesses like cough and
cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting or even in
common diseases like typhoid, T. B, jaundice mother
can breastfed her baby. She can even continue
to take medications for these illnesses. In diseases
like cancer or AIDS a healthcare provider should
be consulted. |
| If a child cries excessively it means
that mother has less milk & hence mother should
start feeding top milk. |
|
Fact : Inadequate
milk is only one of the many causes of excessive
crying. Majority of the babies with excessive
crying pass urine more than 6-7 times in 24
hours & gain more than 500 gms in a month.
This indicates that a baby is getting enough
milk from the mother & one should look for
other causes of excessive crying. The baby may
be wet, or cold, or warm, or maybe running fever
due to a hidden infection, or may have ear pain,
or may simply be wanting to be picked up. Excessive
crying should not be the reason for starting
top milk.
Facts
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