The first week of August is celebrated globally as World Breastfeeding Week, highlighting the impact it has on the health and well-being of both the mother and child. The week-long observance aimed to raise awareness about the numerous benefits it offers. In this article, Dr Maneka Fernandes, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa, delves into the critical role of breastfeeding in nurturing our future generations, addressing both its physiological advantages and the real challenges faced by mothers.
Dr Maneka Fernandes, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa.
Breast milk is often called ‘liquid gold’ because of its exceptional nutritional value and its protective properties for newborns. It is packed with antibodies, vitamins and other essential nutrients that are crucial for a baby’s growth and development. The term ‘liquid gold’ also highlights the precious and irreplaceable nature of breast milk, particularly the initial milk called colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and immune-boosting components.
It may take time to become used to breastfeeding if mothers are not guided. Many mothers may initially wonder if their baby is feeding well or not. Once mastered, it becomes the most natural and satisfying way to nourish a child. Many friends and relatives may offer conflicting advice about diets and ways to breastfeed, making it harder for mothers to make confident choices. Unfortunately, mothers are often sidelined, with more focus diverted towards the baby, leaving her needs overlooked. Social support from family and healthcare providers is crucial in this phase.
Breast milk is tailor-made for the baby and gives them all the nutrients they need in the first six months and alongside other foods thereafter. It boosts their ability to fight illness and infection and aids digestion. It reduces the risk of diarrhoea, allergies and respiratory infections. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and burns about 500 calories a day. It is a great way to strengthen the bond between the mother and the baby.
There are a few principles to follow for achieving successful breastfeeding. Good position and latching have to be attained. The mother has to sit upright with proper back support. They can sit on a chair with their feet resting on a stool or small table to avoid backaches. The baby’s head, shoulder and buttocks should be in a straight line. The baby should be well supported with the mother’s forearm. The baby’s abdomen should touch the mother’s abdomen and the baby’s mouth should face the breast.
For good latching, the baby’s mouth should be wide open, most of the areola of the mother’s breast should be in the baby’s mouth, while the baby’s chin should touch the mother’s breast and its lower lip should be everted. If these two principles are followed, the breastfeeding journey becomes easy and joyful, as problems of cracked and sore nipples are prevented.
The baby should feed for at least 20 to 30 minutes on each breast so that they receive a good feed. If a baby feeds only for a few minutes on one side, they will still be hungry, as the foremilk, rich in vitamins, proteins and antibodies, is watery and satisfies only the thirst, whereas the later part of the milk, the hindmilk, is rich in fats and is thick, which satisfies the hunger.
The newborn will want to breastfeed frequently throughout the day and night, at least 8 times a day. As they get better at feeding, they’ll need to do it less often. Let the baby indicate how often and how long they should feed. A couple of minutes of burping, an important post-feed routine, is sufficient. With the baby’s chin resting on the mother’s shoulder, support the head and shoulder area with one hand and gently rub and pat their back. Alternatively, they can also sit on the lap facing away and be patted on the back.
One may want to express feeds if the baby is premature or unable to latch, if the mother is returning to work or study, if breasts feel uncomfortably full, or if milk supply needs boosting. Mothers should try to include a well-balanced, healthy variety of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods (carbohydrates), protein and dairy. Limit caffeine to 300 mg a day. Alcohol should be avoided.
Galactogues are components which enhance breastmilk production. Fenugreek seeds as a porridge with rice and jaggery is a very good way to increase breastmilk. The mother should be well hydrated with at least four litres of water per day. Frequent night feeds also help increase milk supply. Prolactin, a hormone secreted at night, helps in breast milk production.
Any pain or stress can reduce breastmilk production. Here the family and friends play an important role to support and help the mothers. All breastfeeding mothers face challenges, which may stem from physical, emotional, hormonal or psychological aspects and it is our duty as a society to look into these and help mothers in every way we can.
Most medications are safe while breastfeeding, but a doctor’s consultation is always mandatory. The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding for up to two years. The longer they breastfeed, the longer they share all that natural goodness with the baby. But the first six months are the most vital.
The WHO theme for World Breastfeeding Week in 2026 is “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works,”focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact on nutrition ,and scaling proven support systems.
Box 01: Nutritional components of breast milk
● Proteins: casein and whey.
● Fats: essential fatty acids.
● Carbohydrates: lactose.
● Vitamins: A, C, D, E and K.
● Minerals: calcium, iron, zinc.
● Antibodies: immunoglobulins.
Box 02: Role of breastfeeding in emotional bonding
● Provides nourishment.
● Enhances skin-to-skin contact.
● Triggers the release of oxytocin (instinct for more affection).
● Develops eye contact and closeness.
● Builds a sense of security for infants.
This article is authored by Dr. Maneka Fernandes, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa.