Breast milk is considered an elixir for the baby as it helps in the overall child's development. The awareness for exclusive breastfeeding have been highlighted over the years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. However, if we are to go by the statistics, only two out of five women initiate the practice within the first hour of childbirth.
‘Breastfeeding has a positive impact on newborns growth and also protects the baby from several diseases.’
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Dr. Subhashini N.S., Ayurveda expert, R&D, The Himalaya Drug Company, tells us why breastfeeding is important. - Breast milk is the best, easiest and the most accessible source of nourishment for baby.
- Breast milk helps protect babies from illness such as cold, flu, pneumonia and infections, due to the presence of immunoglobulins and antibodies.
- Breastfeeding can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as certain types of breast and ovarian cancer.
Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
When breastfeeding, it is important to maintain breast hygiene while your breasts adjust to the new lactating state. A few tips:
- Clean your breasts and nipples properly to avoid any breast-feeding-related infections. It is advisable to simply clean your breasts and apply a nipple care butter infused with kokum butter and virgin coconut oil, which soothe, heal and protect dry, cracked and sore nipples.
- To avoid unexpected leaks and stickiness after a feeding session, you can use nursing wipes enriched with coconut oil.
- It is recommended that you stay away from synthetic products to clean your nipples, so opt for products with natural ingredients to treat soreness, cracks and for instant hygiene needs.
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Taking cognizance of the fact that mothers need to breastfeed in a healthy and safe environment, Himalaya BabyCare has set up over 120 breast-feeding booths in Kempegowda International Airport and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, as well as railway and bus stations in Rajasthan.
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