Breastfeeding

• • Breastmilk is the best food for the baby.from birth up to 6 months.
  • It meets all the food and fluid needs of the baby from birth up to 6 months.
  • It protects the baby from disease and malnutrition.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least two years of age or beyond.
• Exclusive breastfeeding means giving no other food or drink except breast milk, not even water, during the first six months of life.
• • Give colostrum to the baby.
  • It prepares your baby's stomach to digest milk.
  • It contains many protective substances against infection.
  • It does not cause tummy ache or diarrhea.
• Do NOT give plain water, sugared water, chewed sticky rice, herbal preparations or starve the baby while waiting for the milk to come in.
• • Giving feeds other than breast milk will deprive the baby of needed nutrients and other protective substances from colostrums.
  • Water, chewed sticky rice or herbal preparations may be contaminated with germs that may cause diarrhea.
• Breast milk will satisty all the nutrient and fluid needs of your baby from birth up to 6 months.
• Give only breast milk and no other food or drink to your baby from birth up to 6 months.
• • Breastfeed as often as the baby wants, day and night.
  • Breastfeeding per baby's demand ensures that he/she gets sufficientnutrients.
  • This is the best stimulus for continued milk production.
• • Use both breasts alternately at each feeding.This will prevent engorgement and infection.
  • After one breast is emptied, offer first the breast that has not been emptied in the next feeding.
• Key message on feeding babies over six months old

  1. Breastfeeding for two years or longer helps a child to develop and grow strong and healthy.
• Key message on feeding babies over six months old

  2. Starting other foods in addition to breastmilk at 6 complemented month helps a child to grow well.