Breast milk first natural food for infants: Expert

Tribune News Service

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Patiala, August 6

As India continues to bear the burden of one of the highest number of neonatal deaths, premature births and low-weight births in the world, experts have pointed out that breastfeeding is imperative for the overall development of newborns as well as their mothers and it should no longer be treated as an option.

“Breast milk is the first natural food for infants that helps protect them against cold, tummy bugs, infections, allergies, viruses and other infections. A breast-fed baby has a lower chance of getting pneumonia 

and GI infections such as diarrhoea as compared to a formula-fed baby. Exclusive breastfeeding offers the greatest 

possible amount of protection for babies,” said Neeraj Arora, consultant neonatologist, Columbia Asia Hospital.

However, the significance of breastfeeding extends beyond basic nutrition and immunity. According to a recent report by the UNICEF, breastfeeding immediately after birth, in the first hour, lowers chances of infant mortality. Breast-fed babies are 20 per cent less likely to die between 28 days and 1 year as compared to those who aren’t breastfed.

As the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, doctors at Columbia Asia reiterate that it is the need of the hour to push for programmes that encourage optimal breastfeeding practices.

“Though breastfeeding is most effective for children and mothers regardless of where they live, it has been often overlooked. We should remember that breast milk is always the best and there can be no substitute for it. In a way, it is a celebration of the motherhood, of new life, and of the special bond that mothers and babies have,” said Dr Jyoti Chawla, consultant paediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital.