Pope Francis Encourages Mothers to Breastfeed

During the baptism of the Lord mass in Vatican's Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis urged mothers to breastfeed their hungry toddlers. Breastfeeding: Breast milk is the milk produced by a lactating female. Breastfeeding should commence as soon as possible after giving birth and every 1 to 3 hours per 24 hours (8-12 times per 24 hours). Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months and continued with weaning until 12 months and further on, depending on the situation of the mother and child.

Breast milk is a complete food for the infant. The nutritional profile of breast milk in terms of calories, vitamins, and minerals is the BEST for the infant as it has the perfect proportion of them all. From antibodies which protect an infant at birth, to the exclusive nutrients in mothers’ milk which prevent a number of childhood diseases, the benefits of breastfeeding are incalculable.

32 children were baptized in the ceremony that was conducted by the Pope in the Catholic Church.

Last month, Pope Francis had said in an interview that mothers should not feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding during his ceremonies.

At the time of the ceremony, the Pope graciously agreed to baptize the baby of a couple married in a civil court, even though the marriage is technically considered void by the Catholic Church, Sky News reported.

In another major move, Francis approved of the 19 new cardinals by putting his first stamp on the group at the top of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.

Out of the newly chosen cardinals, 16 of them are 'cardinal electors' under 80, making them eligible to enter a conclave to elect a pope.

The cardinals hail from Italy, Germany, Britain, Nicaragua, Canada, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, Chile, Burkina Faso, the Philippines and Haiti.(ANI)

Source-ANI