VERIFIED
What makes breast milk the best food for babies? What diet should mothers follow after giving birth? Here are answers to some FAQs.
Many new mothers are often confused by questions related to breastfeeding. When should they start? How long should they continue to breastfeed? On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week — that begins every year on August 1 and goes on till August 7 — Dipti Shah, a lactation consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Malad says in the first six months of a baby’s life, they need to be only fed breast milk, with no other foods or liquids, as this milk is the best source of nutrition for them. The expert answers some frequently-asked questions. Read on.
Is Formula Milk As Good As Breast Milk?
According to the lactation consultant, there are more than 100 different nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and disease-fighting compounds in human milk, which are present in a ‘perfect balance’ to meet a baby’s needs. While formula for infants does provide nutrition to encourage healthy growth, it cannot compete with the many benefits of breastfeeding.
Should Mothers Breast-Feed After Exercising?
Shah says that while research has assessed the level of lactic acid (by-product of high intensity exercise) in a mother’s breast milk after exercise, the presence of this acid is known to increase following ‘maximal’ exercise, which is ‘extreme exercise intensity’. Mild or moderate exercise does not cause lactic acid to increase in breast milk and does not affect the baby.
Formula Milk For Babies With Reflux?
The expert says that the ‘proportion of infants who experience reflux’ is similar among those who are breastfed and those who are formula fed. Breastfed infants, she adds, often have fewer and shorter episodes of reflux. In fact, they have a more ‘rapid gastric emptying’.
Is Breastfeeding Painful?
The lactation consultant says that breastfeeding is usually easy. Many mothers, however, experience some amount of nipple tenderness in the first 2 weeks. If the nipple pain does not subside or get better in 3 to 4 days and lasts beyond 5 or 6 days, then it should not be ignored.
What Is A Breast Milk Composition Like?
According to the expert, ‘mature’ breast milk comprises foremilk and hind milk. Foremilk is ‘bluish-grey and watery’, with plenty of water, protein, and lactose. Hind milk is whiter, and provides extra fat. Keep in mind that the amount of fat in breast milk is not influenced by a mother’s diet, even if she is fasting.
Breast Milk Vs Formula Milk: What Leads To Healthy Weight Gain?
In babies, breastfeeding can cause them to gain less weight at the beginning of their lives, as compared to formula milk. But, breast milk improves body composition and ensures the body fat is low.
What Should Breastfeeding Mothers Not Eat?
Breastfeeding mothers can eat whatever they like. Some food, however, may slightly alter the taste of mother’s milk. Mothers must avoid ‘gassy foods’. Many mothers are also advised to avoid acidic foods and spicy foods. But, Shah says that food does not directly affect breast milk. Mothers must consume a balanced diet and eat in moderation.
Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
