Experts say that breastfeeding not only helps the mother bond with her child but also reduces the risk of breast cancer by 80 per cent. It helps women in bringing back the uterus to its pre-pregnant condition, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and type-2 diabetes.
Colostrum, the first secretion by the mammary glands of the mother and breastfeeding for the first six months enhances the immune system of the newborn. It happens to be a two-way optimal health for mother and the child.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7 every year in many countries. On the occasion of commencement of the week, the District Medical and Health Officer will be conducting an extensive awareness campaign for a month starting from Wednesday, with reducing the percentage of infant mortality rate as one of the main themes. Addressing a common misconception, Professor of Paediatrics of Andhra Medical College and King George Hospital P. Venugopal said that a woman can breastfeed her child when she is suffering from fever and other minor infections.
Diet
“Extra care should be taken in the diet pattern. As a lactating mother needs more calories and should consume nutritious diet at least four times a day,” he suggested. Contrary to the common notion breastfeeding actually helps the woman regain her pre-pregnancy weight that too without any additional physical workout. It also helps the mother resume her hormonal balance post delivery period, said dietician Aparna Tallapragada. Another dietician Trishita Issar said that breast milk is packed with nucleotides, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that help in building the child’s lifelong resistance power.
