Mother’s milk acts as nectar for infants: Expert

Civil Surgeon Dr Harpal Singh today said, “Breastfeeding is a vital part of a child’s early development and an emotionally fulfilling experience for mothers.”

Addressing an awareness seminar organised as part of the World Breastfeeding Week, Dr Singh emphasised the need to educate both expectant and nursing mothers about the nutritional and immunological benefits of breastfeeding, calling it essential for both maternal and child health.

Highlighting the district-level initiatives, Dr Singh said awareness seminars were being organised at all health institutions in Kapurthala district. These programmes aim to promote breastfeeding practices and dispel common myths through expert talks and interactive sessions.

District Immunisation Officer Dr Randeep Singh added that this year’s breastfeeding awareness campaign was being conducted from district to block level, ensuring widespread participation and outreach.

He stressed that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life provides all essential nutrients required for physical and mental growth and helps prevent infections and sudden infant death syndrome.

Medical experts elaborated on the dual benefits of breastfeeding, pointing out that mothers burn up to 500 calories per day while breastfeeding and have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer and postpartum depression. For infants, breast milk is not only easily digestible but also rich in antibodies that guard against infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

Experts also offered practical guidance on optimal breastfeeding practices. Mothers were advised to ensure that the baby’s head remains elevated — preferably at a 45-degree angle — during feeding to avoid risks such as milk entering the ears, which can lead to infections. They were cautioned against feeding while lying down and instructed to always burp the baby after feeding by gently patting the baby’s back while holding them upright.

They emphasised that during feeding, the foremilk (thin milk) comes first, followed by hindmilk (thicker milk), which is richer in fat. Hence, mothers should allow the baby to fully empty one breast before switching to the other to ensure full nutritional intake. Additionally, experts advised against laying the baby down immediately after feeding without burping, as this could lead to choking or respiratory issues.

Dr Harpal Singh and Dr Randeep Singh reiterated that the first thick yellowish milk, known as colostrum, is especially crucial for newborns, providing them with a natural immune boost. They recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of soft complementary foods like khichdi, porridge and mashed rice at 16 months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years.

The event saw participation from several key healthcare figures, including Dr Rajiv Bhagat, Dr Prabhjot Kaur, Deputy mass media officer Sharandeep Singh, Sukhdayal Singh, BCC coordinator Jyoti Anand, BEE Ravinder Jassal and RBSK coordinator Ranjit Kaur.