This World Breastfeeding Week, World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a series of posters and active campaigns to help spread the awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and why every new mom must swear by it.
But often, breastfeeding is easier said than done. Do women today get the right support they deserve? Do they have the right emotional backing and support from their immediate family, friends and workplace?
Here is how you can succeed in breastfeeding if you are a new mom. WHO lists these essential 10 steps that help spread awareness on this key topic.
Starts immediately. Is your hospital ready?
Most new moms are honestly unaware of the right way to breastfeed. And it is critical that newborns are breastfed in their first one hour of birth. Are hospitals ready to support moms in this journey? Do they have lactation consultants and experts on board to offer help to a new mom? WHO recommends why this is an absolute necessity.
The use of top feeds and supplements should be eliminated or atleast minimised unless absolutely necessary, say the experts. The benefits of breastmilk for a newborn are innumerable (read here to know more).
Most mothers who walk in unaware rely on the expertise of the hospital staff- from the OB-GYN, to the nurse to the lactation consultants to teach them the right way to feed your child. Form guiding new moms on the best positions to feed, to help the baby latch the right way to feeding at night time and even when one is very tired- there is a lot that new moms rely on the hospital to help breastfeed the right way.
Here is a look at the WHO recommended 10 steps for successful breastfeeding. Do the right deed and share it with a new mom you care about.
