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World Breast-feeding Week

by Medindia Content Team on 
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Why Mothers Should Breast-Feed Their Babies

Breast-feeding or nursing is linked with numerous benefits for both the mother and the child. It offers complete nourishment and protects the baby from various disease causing organisms.It protects the baby from sudden infant death syndrome and increases the baby’s intelligent quotient (IQ).Researches have reported that it protects the mother from developing cancer and bone disorders.It helps the mothers to reduce the fat deposit that has accumulated during pregnancy and help them lose weight after birth.Breast-feeding requires commitment and patience and in some cases becomes risky and increases the chance of transmitting certain deadly viruses such as HIV and Herpes Simplex virus to the baby through the milk. Nursing mothers should also avoid certain substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and certain medications while breast-feeding.
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The Flow of Breast Milk

When a baby is breast-fed, the baby’s sucking stimulates nerves in the nipple, which carry messages along nerve pathways to the brain. These nerve signals stimulate hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to release prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are carried in the blood stream and reaches the breast. In the breast, prolactin stimulates the lobes to produce milk. Oxytocin causes the release of milk by contraction of the muscles surrounding these lobes resulting in the milk going from the glands to the ducts. This is known as let down-reflex or milk ejection-reflex.
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Tips for Breast-Feeding

Breast-feeding newborn offers a variety of health benefits. Mothers should initially seek help from a lactation specialist to make sure they know the right breast-feeding technique and also make sure that the baby is latching on properly as it ensures a successful breast-feeding. Try nursing the baby as many times as possible and make sure that it is positioned comfortably. While feeding the baby, alternate breasts should be used to ensure that both breasts get stimulated. Keep count of the number of wet diapers per day as this would help to know if the baby is feeding sufficiently or not. Contact local lactation consultant for any problems with breast-feeding.
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