Is it advisable to give fruit juices to the babies?

No. From birth upto about 6 months a child should be given only breastmilk. Any other thing may be harmful. Giving these would deprive the baby adequate amount of breastmilk and also increases chances of getting infections & diarrhoea.

Is it desirable to give Ghutti, Gripe water and water to the babies?

No. Use of Ghutti and gripe water is an unscientific practice. it is better not to use them. These preparations sometimes contain medications that may induce sleep that is not natural. Also babies should not be given what is not desirable.

Does the baby need Vitamins?

Usually not, A baby who is only breastfed for first 6 months does not need tonics or vitamins. Bottle fed babies however may need vitamins. Ask your doctor, he may be the best judge in this case.

Does One Need to worry if the baby is passing frequent stools?

If an exclusively breastfed baby passes frequent, somewhat loose stools, it is normal. However the baby should be passing urine as frequently should not be given anything other than breastmilk. But if it is bottle-fed baby, it is worrying.

Milk leaks from breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?

It is a temporary problem. A little pressure over the breast will stop that. You can put a soft cotton cloth pad on the breast if you are going out doors.

Can one continue breastfeeding baby while taking medicines?

Yes. Most drugs don't cause any harm to babies. Ask your doctor, he may be the best judge in this case.

Can one still breastfeed the baby in sickness?

Yes. In case you are sick you can continue breastfeeding. Diseases like typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding.

sometimes milk looks thin and watery. Is it all right?

Yes. Foremilk (at the start of breastfeed) is thin and contains less fat. Hindmilk (near the end of a feed) is thicker and full of fat. A baby needs both. It has a unique quality of changing with the baby's needs. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure that the baby receives both fore and hindmilk.

What to do when the mother does not have enough milk?

Most mothers can produce adequate breastmilk for their babies. If you feel that you don't have enough milk, you should check the points listed in the correct positioning of the baby during breastfeeding. See if you are following a demand schedule or not.

The feeling of inadequate milk is usually apparent as it comes from the fact that the baby asks for feed more frequently. "My baby keeps on crying after my feed", "My baby sleeps well after an artificial feed" and "My friend or mother tells me that I don't have enough milk" are some of the reasons given by the mother. After listening to these problems, family members, friends or health worker concludes that mother's milk is inadequate for the baby and he needs a supplementary feed.

What you can do to increase suckling frequency of your baby to increase 'prolactin' and thus the milk production. Avoid hurried feedings and be confident.

Most mothers can increase their own milk supply by allowing the baby to suckle more often. "More suckling makes more milk" is true for all mothers. Sign of getting adequate milk supply is the passing of urine 6 times (or more) in 24 hours & weight gain. You are the best judge of yourself and your baby.

Can one start breastfeeding immediately?

Yes. Talk to the staff of the hospital where you are going to deliver the baby about your determination to breastfeed. Ask for the baby to be near you as soon as delivered and let the baby remain with you as long as you stay there.

Can a mother by caesarian section delivery breastfeed the baby successfully?

Yes. This operation does not affect the ability of the mother to successfully breastfeed her baby. After a few hours of surgery when you are out of the effects of anesthetic drugs you can manage to keep the baby and start breastfeeding. You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position, get in front of the baby with the help of a pillow and start feeding. It is a little difficult in the beginning but most mothers who have C-section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days. You will need practical support from a health worker, relative or a friend.

Can one feed the baby in lying down position?

Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.

What about pain in the nipples while feeding the baby.?

One of the most important factors is the baby suckling in an incorrect position. If the baby is suckling only at the nipple, it causes trauma and sore nipples which is painful. The treatment is to feed the baby in the correct position. If breastfeeding, is painful, the baby is in an incorrect position, put your finger in his mouth and break the suction. Then take out the nipple and try again.

Once the baby starts suckling in the correct position, pain will immediately disappear. Feed at frequent intervals. Don't apply any creams or lotions. It is not recommended. You can take a few drops of your own milk and put it over the damaged area. Allow to dry.

What should one do if the breasts are full and firm?

You can have this feeling in case there is delay in feeding the baby or missing breastfeeds. It can be relieved by unrestricted feeding to the baby along with hand expression of milk.

How to prevent breast infection or abscess formation?

Unrestricted feeding in the correct position usually prevents this. But in case sore or cracked nipples develop, and are followed by engorgement, it may lead to swelling, pain and redness on the side of the infection. It is to be treated by the doctor with drugs. If an abscess develops it has to be removed surgically. Mother can continue to breastfeed from the same side even after surgery.

How long can one continue to breastfeed?

You can continue to breastfeed, well into the 2nd year of child's life. Breastmilk can take care of the milk requirement of baby even during 2nd year.

When to start bottlefeeding so that baby does not refuse to accept it later?

There is no need to start bottlefeeding for this reason. A child can take milk from a cup or glass even when he is as small as a newborn. Bottle is never required by the baby.

What is the harm of using bottle-feed in a day When one is boiling the bottles carefully?

Starting bottlefeeds leads to three major problems
1. Baby starts refusing the breast due to nipple confusion.
2. It will reduces your own milk supply/secretion.
3. The Baby becomes more prone to infections even though bottles are boiled. Also, since many things are involved in preparing a bottlefeed e.g. spoon, sugar, sugarpot, milk, bottle, caps, nipple and your own hands, a minor mistake at any step could lead to a major infection.
Despite this, if you must start bottlefeeding we shall advise you to boil all the material for 20-25 minutes. Wash your hands with soap before you handle the bottle. Don't put your finger into the milk to check its temperature.

If the baby is preterm- Can one breastfeed successfully?

Yes. However babies delivered preterm i.e. before completing their gestation are usually small in size and weight. They may not be able to suck. In such circumstances these babies may have to be kept in special care units. Your own breastmilk can be used to feed such a baby. Expressed breastmilk can be given through a tube or with a cup and a spoon. It is always preferable to avoid bottle. When the baby starts sucking he should be allowed to be breastfed.

If one have twin babies- Can she feed both?

Yes. They can be breastfed simultaneously using one breast for each feed and alternating the breasts for next feeds. Breastmilk production is usually sufficient to meet with the requirements of both the babies. If required fresh milk can be used with cup and spoon.

Should one breastfeed from both breasts each time one feeds her baby?

Let your baby decide that. Take your hint from him. He may prefer to have milk from one or both breasts at each feed.

Is there any drug that may increase the milk supply?

Yes. Some drugs have been reported to increase supply, But frequent suckling at the breast and avoiding bottle feeding is more important to ensure adequate supply of milk than medicines to increase your milk supply. The medicines have their inherent side effects as well.

Would washing the breast before and after each feed and application of any cream or ointment help in the prevention or treatment of sore or cracked nipples?

No. Daily bathing is all that is required. Avoid applying soap on your nipples. Frequent washing or cleaning of the breast is likely to remove the antibacterial lubricating oil produced by the special glands present on the areola. The application of creams or ointment available in the market for prevention or treatment of sore or cracked nipples may actually make the problem worse.

Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months: What does it mean?

Giving only breastmilk to babies during this period without addition of any other supplementary fluid, food or milk is called exclusive breastfeeding.
Mother's milk is sufficient to meet all the baby's needs for about 6 months. Recent research has shown that exclusively breastfed babies don't require water even during very hot season. If a baby is passing urine 6 times during 24 hours it means he is getting enough food & fluids.

When breastfeeding should start after childbirth?

Ans.: As soon as possible after childbirth. Infact within one hour or as soon as the mother is all right.

Why do they say that breastfeed is a wholesome and best diet for the baby ?

Ans.: Mothers feed is like necter. In the first 6 months the child should be exclusively breastfed and there is no need for food and water as breast milk contains all nutrients in right propotion & antibodies.

What is the other quality of breastfeed?

Ans.:
Breastfeed is the wholesome and balance diet for the mental and physical development of the baby.
Breastfeed has the ability to fight against many diseases.
Breastfeed is bacteria free.
Breastfeed is easily available.
Breastfeed is in the right quantity.
Breastfeed is at the right temperature.

It is right that an exclusively breastfed baby does not need water?

Ans. Yes, In first 4 to 6 months the baby does not need anything other than breastfeed. The breastfeed quenches the thirst as contains 96% water. Even in the summers the child should not be given water.

Should the child be given the first thick yellowsh milk?

Ans.: Yes, In the first few days the mother's milk is thick and yellowish. Some people think that it is harmful and throw it away. This is very helpful for the baby because it saves the baby from the common infection diseases. In the first few days this thick yellowish milk supplements all the needs of child. The yellowness of the milk is due to the high content vitamin A in the milk.

Can every mother breastfeed her child?

Ans.: Yes, Every mother can breastfeed her child initially. Some need help to do the same. This can be provided by those mothers and experienced ladies who have breastfed their children. The advice from such women can help these new mothers.

How often should the mother breastfeed?

Ans.: Breastfeed should be given on demand if this is done both mother and child is benefited. The baby gets optimum amount of milk and the mother is saved from swelling and pain of the breast.

What are the benefits to the mothers who breastfeed the children?

Ans.:
The mother who breastfeed their children immediately after child birth lose fewer amount of blood from the uterus and it is very healthy for the mother.
It helps the uterus in regaining its normal shape. It is an effective family planning method because it blocks the ovulation & avoid pregnancy.
The mother who breastfeed have less chances of breast and ovarian cancer.

Can all mothers produce optimum quantity of milk?

Ans.: Yes, all mothers can produce optimum quantity of milk.

Do breastfeeding mother need extra food?

Ans: The breastfeeding mothers should eat one third to one fourth more food than normal food.
They should eat 3 to 4 more chappatis and extra pulses
They should include green leafy vegetables, pulses, sugar, and carbohydrates etc in their diet. Non vegetarian mothers can eat meat an eggs too, breastfeeding mother can eat all types of food.

Should the child be given substitute milk?

Ans.: No, It is inappropriate to feed the child on substitute milk. Some mothers are not confident whether the child is getting enough milk therefore they introduce substitute milk. This decreases the milk secretion in the mother.

What should one do when the child can not suck?

Ans.: If the child cannot Suck the mother should extract the milk and keep the milk in a clean bowl and should feed the baby with the spoon.

What should be done if breastfeed is not available for the child?

Ans.: In this case, one should ask for the milk from some other mother. If this is not possible the child should be given cow's milk, buffalo or goat milk. This milk should be given after it is boiled and cooled down. The child should be fed with bowl and spoon.

Should one mix water in the substitute milk?

Ans.: No, If this is done the child gets less nutrition than needed and becomes malnourished.

Should the child be given powder milk?

Ans.: No, the child should never be given powder milk. Only in the case of emergency this should be done after reading the instructions on the pack properly.