FEEDING OF NORMAL BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES
INTRODUCTION
The best milk for a newborn baby is unquestionably the breast milk.
All healthy normal weight babies ( 2500g) must be exclusively breastfed till the age of 6 months.
BREASTFEEDING
It is essential to help the mothers of healthy newborn babies to establish breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.
All newborns without any complications should be kept in skin to skin contact with their mothers during the first hour after birth to promote breast feeding & to prevent hypothermia.
Exclusive breastfeeding should be given for the first six months of life;
Complementary food should be started after six months of age.
ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING
Exclusively breast fed babies are at decreased risk of
I. Diarrhea
II. Pneumonia
III. Ear infection and
IV. Death in first year of life
Benefits to the baby
Complete food,
Species specific
Easily digested and well absorbed
Protects against infection
Promotes emotional bonding
Better brain growth
Benefits to mother
Helps in involution of uterus
Delays pregnancy
Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Decreases mother’s work load
Benefits to family and society
Saves money
Promotes family planning
Decreases need of hospitalization
Contributes to child survival
TYPES OF BREAST MILK
The composition of breast milk varies at different stages after birth to suit the needs of the baby. Milk of a mother who had delivered a preterm baby is different from the milk of a mother who has delivered a full term baby.
1. Colostrum
is the milk secreted during the first week after delivery. It is yellow, thick and contains more antibodies and white blood cells. Though secreted only in small quantities, it has higher protein content and is most suited for the needs of the baby it should NEVER be discarded.
2. Transitional milk
is the milk secreted during the following two weeks. The immunoglobulin and protein content decreases while the fat and sugar content increases.
3. Mature milk
follows transitional milk. It is thinner and watery but contains all the nutrients essential for optimal growth of the baby.
4. Preterm milk
is the breast milk of a mother who delivers prematurely. It contains higher quantities of proteins, sodium, iron, and immunoglobulins that are needed by her preterm baby.
5. Fore milk
is the milk secreted at the start of a feed. It is watery and is rich in proteins, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and water and satisfies the baby's thirst.
6. Hind milk
comes later towards the end of a feed and is richer in fat content, provides more energy, and satisfies the baby's hunger. For optimum growth the baby needs both fore and hind milk. The baby should therefore be allowed to empty one breast fully before offering the other one. Baby receiving predominant foremilk may cry excessively.
