"Breast Milk is the best gift a mother can give her baby". This is one of the most common lines heard and read by a would be mother. It is a natural phenomenon. Every new mother wants to breastfeed her newborn  baby. Most women are motivated for the same since pregnancy. Still many have Lactation failure. Some achieve breastfeeding after overcoming lots of issues.

1st to 7th August is Celebrated as International Breastfeeding Week all over the world. Why do we need to celebrate this natural phenomenon? Why is there a need to create awareness for  a natural thing like Breastfeeding? Why do much importance is given to it?

  Answer to all the above questions can be explained  due to commercialisation of certain infant foods/ formulas! The need to create awareness about Breastfeeding has arised. New mothers can easily get attracted to formula, inspite of good breast milk, thinking it is better for the baby. One needs to understand the benefits of Breast Milk to the baby as well as mother.
  Breast milk is tailor made for the needs of the baby. Preterm baby's needs are different than that of a full term newborn. Breast milk secreted by a mother who delivered prematurely is thus different.
  Breast milk is easily available, no need to spend extra money for it, at correct temperature, sterile( non infected) and fully nutritious for the baby.
  Best part it is, it has multiple benefits for the mother as well. Prevention of heavy bleeding post delivery, as a method of contraception, prevention of engorgement and abscess formation. And last but not the least... prevention of Breast cancers! It is proven worldwide that women who have breast feed their babies for atleast 1 year have reduced risk for breast cancer!
  Stress, anxiety , lack of correct information regarding Breast feeding techniques can lead to failure of Lactation. Making the new mother comfortable and guiding her to overcome her fears can lead to a very enjoyable Breastfeeding Journey.
  Our aim at  MJM hospital is to help the mothers, in all ways to achieve this successfully.Let's together make this journey of Breastfeeding beautiful and memorable!!!

Dr. Meenal Mehendale
(MBBS, DNB- OBGY)
Consultant Gynecologist
Infertility and High Risk Pregnancy specialist.
MJM Hospital.