Breast milk has been considered as the healthiest and finest form of milk for babies since time. It contains the right balance of nutrients to help your baby grow into a strong and healthy toddler, while it also helps the infant build immunity, as well as fighting infections and various diseases. Breast milk is digested easily by the baby too.

Breast feeding also helps the mother by creating a special bond with the child from the time it starts suckling. Next, it releases hormones such as Oxytocin, which helps the mother reduce the uterine bleeding after birth and the weight she would have gained after pregnancy.

Besides, it saves the time and money; there won’t be any need to use formula milk, sterilized nipples or milk bottles.

Some basic points to note while breast feeding;

-A new born must be breastfed within two hours of birth and the very first drop of milk should be given, known as Colostrum. It should not be thrown away because of some ill belief and misgivings. This special milk is a yellowish liquid which is high in proteins, carbohydrate, vitamins and it gives antibodies to keep your baby healthy. Colostrum also works as a laxative that can help your baby pass their stool easily for the first few days.

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-Don’t give your infant drinking water until six months of age; be it boiled water or extreme summer temperature. Give your breast milk instead, and the mother should have a lot of liquid, predominately water- that is, two to three liters of water a day.

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-The breast feeding mother should take care of her daily nutrition by eating healthy snacks such as green vegetables, dairy products, fruits and dry fruits, homemade soups and fruit juices. Avoid junk, solid foods or caffeine.

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-Hygiene is very important. Clean the breast nipple with warm boiled water and cloth after feeds. Avoid using soaps, perfumed creams or lotions that contains alcohol over the nursing area. Use nursing pads if the breast milk starts leaking out on clothes.

– If the mother starts having breast pain, don’t panic. A hot washcloth or a warm shower will do. The breast feeding mother can immerse her breasts in warm water, either in a sink full of warm water or while having a shower, followed by massage being done gently, in a circular motion. Don’t wear anything tight around the breasts.

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-Don’t give any other type of milk, apart from the breast milk for at least for six months and never mix breast milk with the formulas.

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-Don’t worry about producing enough milk. Leave stress aside, since staying relax during nursing can let your milk flow easily and the general rule says, if the baby wets six to eight diapers a day then it is getting enough milk.

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– Watch for the signs of your baby’s hunger. Hungry infants move their hands towards their mouths, making sucking sounds or either towards your breast. Don’t wait for your baby to cry. You might be nursing for eight to twelve times in twenty four hours during the first few weeks.

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-Try to change breast sides for every ten to fifteen minutes and do some arm movements after nursing. Being comfortable is very necessary too.

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– Consult the doctor only if you have an unusual bleeding or discharge from your nipples or if your baby is losing weight or crying continuously and not having feeds.

**HAPPY BREAST FEEDING!**

Don’t ignore or avoid the gift of nature. It’s not in everyone’s luck to have such sweet moments with their infants. Leave the fear of ruining the shape of breasts or your figure. Leave the worry of feeding in public or getting embarrassed. Don’t think of going to work whilst leaving your infant to a care taker with milk bottles. A mother is said to have heaven underneath her feet, this shows her position in the eyes of God and the world. Keep smiling.