Mysuru: “Breastfeeding contributes to the well-being of a mother. It helps in reducing 25 per cent of the ovarian and breast cancer risks”, Dr. Madhura Phatak, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Columbia Asia Hospital Mysuru.
As part of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, the Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysuru conducted few awareness programmes. The doctors also shared an advisory to encourage breastfeeding and spread an awareness of its immense benefits to improve the health of babies around the world. The theme of World Breastfeeding Week this year is “Breastfeeding: Foundation of life.”
According to WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is very much essential starting one hour after the birth until the baby is 6 months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or beyond. It also helps in preventing malnutrition, ensures food security and maintains good health in the young children.
This year, WHO is working with UNICEF and partners to promote the importance of helping mothers breastfeed their babies within that crucial first hour of life. Skin-to-skin contact along with suckling the breast stimulates the production of breast milk, including colostrum, also called the baby’s “first vaccine”, which is extremely rich in nutrients and antibodies. Advantages of breast milk are far more over formula milk. Hence for working mothers, breast milk storage is advisable, according to WHO.
Dr. Madhura Phatak, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Columbia Asia Hospital Mysuru stated, “World Breastfeeding Week must be promoted by advocating and informing the general public on the economic, environmental and health implications of optimal breastfeeding on a global scale. Breastfeeding is a natural act and also a learnt behaviour, storing it is an art and practising to pump it is also very much essential.”
Here are few tips to be followed by new mothers to store the breast milk:
- Cleanliness and hygiene should be the first priority. Therefore, mothers should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water before pumping out the milk
- Milk should mandatorily be stored in milk storage bags or bottles
- Remember the rule of 4’s: keep at room temperature for 4-6 hours and in the refrigerator for 4-6 days
- Practise pumping when you are rested, relaxed and your breasts feel somewhat full. Try pumping once the baby has finished feeding or pump the other breast while feeding on the other or while the baby is napping.
- Keep the milk at the back of the fridge or freezer than at the door. This will help protect the breast milk from temperature changes due to the opening and closing of the door.
- Never microwave the breast milk.
Columbia Asia will be organising the Parent Craft Programme, an educative session for the soon to be mothers. For details call: 8884655366
