Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

Abstract

Early initiation of breastfeeding is extremely important for the establishment of successful lactation and for the health of the child as well as for providing ‘Colostrums’ to the baby. Ideally, the baby should receive the first breastfeeding as soon as possible and preferably within one hour of birth. Early skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery and the opportunity to suckle within the first hour after birth are both important for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Early skin-to-skin contact after delivery may promote breastfeeding outcomes and prevent the newborn from hypothermia and hypoglycemia. There is also a cultural practice of giving prelacteal feeding before starting breastfeeding like honey, sugar and water which may inhibit the baby’s thirst and hunger which in turn will adversely influence milk production and increase the risk of infection because of not sucking breast milk vigorously. Therefore there is a need to bring awareness among mothers about early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth to reduce child morbidity and mortality by the skillful counselors by taking initiation of breastfeeding at birth and support during the stay in the hospital.