All the doctors worldwide have an undivided opinion that breast feeding is essential for the development of newborns and is very important for proper newborn baby care. The same thought is echoed in the World health organization’s recommendation that the infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. However, there is a growing tendency of especially young mothers in either not starting the breast feeding at all or else stopping it too quickly. The first six months is an important bench mark as this is the time that the introduction of solid foods into the diet of the infant should take place. Any early introduction of solid foods to the infant will reduce the milk production in mother as a satisfied infant on supplementary foods will demand less breast feed which in turn stimulates less production in mother.

While we are well aware that breast milk has its benefits that go way beyond providing basic nutrition and energy to the child.  Mother’s milk has all round benefits for the infant as well as the mother as in addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients the baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is a specially designed package from nature which is packed with various substance that protect your baby from illness. The foremost benefit for the child is that the mothers milk protects them against infections like Diarrhea, Respiratory infections etc. This milk also enhances vaccine response in the child along with protecting it against various diseases like wheezing and SIDS as many studies have shown. But generally, breast feeding improves your child’s ability in fighting against allergies and developing immunities. The milk has unparalleled impact on over all growth as it enhances development and improves intelligence.

Sore nipples A lot of mothers complain about tender nipples that make breast feeding painful and frustrating. There is good news though, as most mothers don’t suffer that long. The nipples will toughen up quickly and render breast feeding virtually painless.

Improperly positioned babies or babies that suck really hard can make the breasts extremely sore. Below, are some ways to ease your discomfort:     1. Make sure your baby is in the correct position, since a baby that isn’t positioned correctly is the number one cause of sore nipples.     2. Once you have finished feeding, expose your breasts to the air and try to protect them from clothing and other irritations.      3. After breast feeding, apply some ultra purified, medical grade lanolin, making sure to avoid petroleum jelly and other products with oil.     4. Make sure to wash your nipples with water and not with soap.     5. Many women find teabags ran under cold water to provide some relief when placed on the nipples.     6. Make sure you vary your position each time with feeding to ensure that a different area of the nipple is being compressed each time.

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Clogged milk ducts Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender lumps on the tissue of the breast. Clogged ducts can cause the milk to back up and lead to infection. The best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you’ve emptied as completely as possible. You should offer the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let your baby empty it as much as possible.

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