What is exclusive breastfeeding?

(August 3, 2010)

Exclusive Breastfeeding

New mothers come across several unfamiliar terms in the first few weeks after their child is born. One of these terms is exclusive breastfeeding and so a very common question posed to doctors by new mothers is ““what is exclusive breastfeeding?”.

Exclusive breastfeeding is where an infant is given only breast milk and nothing else. No additional foods, liquids or even water is given to a baby who is exclusively breastfed. Feeding a child nothing but breast milk has several advantages for the growth and development of the child; it is beneficial for the mother in several ways too. Breast milk (especially, the first flow of thick yellow milk known as colostrum) contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents as well as high levels of vitamin A, which protect the infant against several diseases.

In developing countries, the leading causes of death in infants are diarrhea and pneumonia. Infants who are not breastfed are six times more likely to suffer from diarrhea and acute respiratory diseases, which can be fatal. Exclusive breastfeeding has been regarded as the most effective intervention in preventing childhood deaths. Unfortunately, only 40% of children below the ages of 6 months are breastfed exclusively. Given below are some benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on infants:

•   Breast milk is usually hygienic and it contains the right amounts of vitamins, protein, fat, energy and other nutrients that infants require for the first six months. There is no substitute or replacement for breast milk, which is the most reliable form of food for infants, especially, in an emergency.

•   Breast milk contains 88% water and therefore, children who are exclusively breastfed do not need to be given water or any other fluids. This also applies to children born in countries where temperatures are high and the humidity is low. Offering water to children who are below 6 months reduces their intake of breast milk; water also interferes with the proper absorption of the nutrients present in breast milk. Contaminated water or bottles that are not sterilized correctly can increase the risks of illnesses and infections in infants.

•   Children who are fed breast milk have higher IQ levels than others. Therefore, feeding a child nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months ensures that the child gets the required key nutrients, in the right quantities, which is important for the growth and development for the child.

•   Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of the mother suffering from postpartum hemorrhage, (which can be fatal), ovarian cancer, and pre-menopausal breast cancer. Exclusive breastfeeding usually delays the return of fertility in a woman and protects her from anemia and related health problems.

Submitted by P T on August 3, 2010 at 01:03