Benefits of breastfeeding in the feeding practice of neonatal and infants 

Article Type:  Editorial

Published on:  Year: 2024; Volume: 4; Issue: 3; Page No: 4 – 5

 Author:  Sumathi Senthilvel

https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20244345

Affiliation:  Associate Editor, International Journal of Medical Sciences and Nursing Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India and Formerly Assistant Professor in Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Email ID:  AssociateEditor@ijmsnr.com

How to cite this article:  Senthilvel S.  Benefits of breastfeeding in the feeding practice of neonatal and infants.  Int J Med Sci and Nurs Res 2024;4(3):4–5.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20244345

Article Summary: Submitted:  22-July-2024; Revised:  26-August-2024; Accepted:  14-September-2024; Published: 30-September-2024

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Introduction

Breastfeeding [1] is an essential part of the neonatal and infant period.  It provides nutritional ads within mother and baby.  Breast milk is a naturally available nourishment for babies which helps for healthy growth and development. [2] World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the colostrum yellowish sticky breast milk as the perfect food for new-born babies and it should be initiated within the first hour after birth and breastfeeding should continue until 2 years old. [3] WHO Theme was “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all” and it took place from August 1–7, 2024.

Benefits of breast milk for babies: 

(a).  It provides ideal nourishment for babies during the first days after birth reast produce thick yellowish sticky reast milk is called colostrum which is rich in protein ad low in sugar. Colostrum is the ideal milk helps to develop immature digestive tract of new-borns. [4]

(b). It promotes healthy weight of baby: Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and prevents childhood obesity.

(c).  It promotes immunity of a baby: Breast milk contains antibodies particularly colostrum provides high IgA which by protects from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, threat, ad digestive system.

(d). Help I growth ad development of a baby: It promotes brain development and helps in developing good learning skills during their growing period. [5]

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers:

(a).  Mothers who breast feed seems less likely to develop postpartum depression.

(b).  It reduces the diseases risk such as, high blood pressure, type II diabetes.

(c).  It helps in involution of uterus in which the uterus returns back to its previous size after delivery. [6]

Storing of expressed breast milk: [7]

(a).  Breast milk should be stored in milk storage bags (or) clean food grade containers.

(b).  It should ever store in disposable bottles or plastic bags.

(c).  Freshly expressed milk ca e stored at room temperature of 77-degree F (or) colder for up to 4 hours in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

(d).  Stored breast milk doesn’t need to warmed.  If it is need to warm place a sealed container in to a bowel of warm water (or) hold it under warm.

A study by Vasudevan et al has revealed that the exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 83% of the women in rural area of Pondicherry.  [8] Whereas, In Indian setting with more than 50% of population still not exclusively breastfeeding to their infants. [9]

Conclusion

Breast milk is the most perfect food for babies during their first two years and on replacement is recommended during this time period.  Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby during the breastfeeding period as well as in future.

References

  1. World Health Organization: Breastfeeding. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding [Last Accessed on: 5th July 2024]
  2. Ghai OP. Essential paediatrics.  Seventh edition published by CBS publications and distributors.  Page No: 96–100.   ISBN-10. 8123917775; ISBN-13. 978-8123917771
  3. World Health Organization: Infant and young child feeding. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding [Last Accessed on: 10th July 2024]
  4. Jakaitis BM, Denning PW. Human breast milk and the gastrointestinal innate immune system. Clin Perinatol 2014;41(2):423-435. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.011 PMID: 24873841; PMCID:
  5. CG Victora, R Bahl, AJ Barros, Franca GVA, Horton S, et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect.  Lancet 2016;387:475-490
  6. Sumathi S.  Essential and Need of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in New Born Children.  Int J Med Sci and Nurs Res 2023;3(3):3–4.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20233334
  7. Centres For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Breastfeeding. Breast Milk Storage and Preparation. Available from:  https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breast-milk-preparation-and-storage/handling-breastmilk.html  [Last Accessed on: 20th July 2024]
  8. Senthilvel V, Sumathi S, Singh Z, Jayanthi V. A study of breast-feeding practices among non-working women in rural area of Puducherry.  Indian Journal of Maternal and Child Health 2011;13(3):1–12.
  9. Reddy NS, Dharmaraj A, Jacob J, Sindhu KN. Exclusive breastfeeding practices and its determinants in Indian infants: findings from the National Family Health Surveys-4 and 5. Int Breastfeed J 2023;18(1):69. DOI:1186/s13006-023-00602-z. PMID: 38124065; PMCID: PMC10731841.

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