Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital is a baby friendly hospital and we here encourage Breastfeeding for the Good Health and Development of Babies.
Health benefits for Infants
Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate nutrition.
Long-term benefits for children
Beyond the  immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health. Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. They are less likely to have type-II diabetes and perform better in intelligence tests.
Benefits for mothers
Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and postpartum depression.
- WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth
- Breastfeeding should be “on demand”, as often as the child wants day and night;
- Bottles or pacifiers should be avoided
At six months, solid foods, such as mashed fruits and vegetables, should be introduced to complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more.
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