Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Breast milk is not just a food; it’s a gift that ensures your baby’s survival and optimal health. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. It offers irreplaceable nutrition crucial for growth and development.

Breastfeeding: Your Baby’s Birthright
Breastfeeding is an age-old practice and an essential child-rearing skill that every mother must embrace. It provides the perfect balance of fat, protein, and nutrients tailored specifically to your baby’s needs. Dr. Manali Shilotri, a leading gynecologist at Horizon Prime Hospital, emphasizes that breast milk notonly fuels physical growth but also boosts sensory and cognitive development. Its unique composition
includes antibodies that guard against infections, making it the first line of defense for your newborn.

Overcoming Societal Stigma
Despite living in a modern world, societal discomfort around breastfeeding still exists. Dr. Ria Vaidya, CEO of Horizon Group of Hospitals, stresses the importance of creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. She notes that an alarming number of women opt for formula feeding, either due to a lack of time or awareness. This growing trend neglects the numerous health benefits that breastfeeding offers to both mother and baby.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Two-Way Street

For the Baby:
– Economical and safe.
– Less risk of contamination.
– Promotes gut health by supporting the growth of good bacteria.
– Provides antibodies that protect against infections.
– Lowers the risk of developing allergies, asthma, and eczema.
– Boosts emotional stability through mother-child bonding.
– Enhances cognitive development, with breastfed babies showing higher IQ levels.
– Reduces the likelihood of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

For the Mother:
– Helps the uterus contract, speeding postpartum recovery.
– Offers natural contraception by delaying menstruation.
– Aids in weight loss, helping mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figure.
– Lowers the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer later in life.

Understanding Lactation

Lactation is the natural process of producing milk, triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy. The process can be divided into three stages:

1. Stage I (Secretory Initiation): Occurs after the 16th week of pregnancy, when colostrum—a nutrient-
rich first milk—is produced.
2. Stage II (Secretory Activation): Begins 2-3 days after delivery when milk production increases rapidly.
3. Stage III: Continues as long as milk is being removed from the breasts, either by breastfeeding or
pumping.

Dr. Manali Shilotri highlights that lactation specialists can offer valuable support, especially for mothers
who face difficulties in breastfeeding. Whether you’re struggling with lactation or simply seeking
guidance, help is available.

Barriers to Breastfeeding
Several factors can hinder a mother’s ability to breastfeed:
– Poor nutrition.
– Hormonal imbalances.
– Certain medications.
– Previous breast surgeries.

Moreover, societal barriers, such as the growing dependence on formula milk, add to the challenges mothers face today. Dr. Ria Vaidya emphasizes the need for awareness and societal support to ensure breastfeeding becomes a common and comfortable practice.

Common Lactation Issues and How to Handle Them
While breastfeeding is beneficial, it can sometimes be challenging. Common issues include:

– Engorgement: Overfull breasts that lead to soreness.
– Mastitis: Inflammation of breast tissue that can cause pain and fever.
– Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER): A temporary emotional drop during milk release, which may
cause anxiety or sadness.

These challenges can be addressed with the help of lactation experts and healthcare providers.

The Importance of National Nutrition Week
On the occasion of National Nutrition Week, Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman of Horizon Group of Hospitals, calls attention to the importance of breastfeeding in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two. This crucial period lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong health.

Conclusion
Breastfeeding provides not only nutrition but also long-term health benefits for both the mother and the child. Studies have shown that breastfed babies enjoy better cognitive development and reduced risks of chronic diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding offers protection against various cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

At Horizon Prime Hospital, we are dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers, offering guidance through pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care. Breast milk is the best and most complete source of nutrition for your baby, and promoting breastfeeding is key to nurturing a healthy nation for the future.