Breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding your little baby. There are many health benefits for both the mother and the baby that come with breastfeeding.

• One of the reasons why you should feed your baby breast milk as a new mother is that breast milk is a natural food for the baby, and is safer than other food in the initial stages. 

• Breast milk also protects your baby from diseases or infections.

• Breastfeeding ensures that there is a strong bond between the baby and the mother.

• In terms of health benefits, babies will have fewer chances of vomiting or diarrhoea if they have been breastfed.

• Also, breastfed babies won't have too many infections or chest problems.

• A baby has very few chances of becoming obese and later on developing diabetes if he or she has been breastfed.

• If a child has not been breastfed, the risks of her suffering from some form of respiratory infection, cancer or allergies are high.

• The first milk or colostrum acts as a laxative and clears the intestine of the baby and lowers the chances of your baby getting jaundice. Constipation won't be a problem if babies are breastfed.

• Colostrum has a substance which is called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). The IgA forms a layer on the mucous membrane in the intestines, throat and nose.

• Also, the act of your baby sucking at the breast boosts the oral muscles and facial bones, and later helps in dental development.

Benefits for the mother

• Breastfeeding not only benefits the baby but also the mother. If you breastfeed your baby, you have lowered risk of suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI), breast cancer, ovarian cancer or osteoporosis.

• Breastfeeding also consumes a lot of calories – 500 a day for you, so think about it!

• Also, because of higher levels of oxytocin that stimulate uterine contractions post-partum, blood loss is minimized and there is speedier uterine toning.

What you need to know about breastfeeding?

You should breastfeed your baby immediately after you have given birth to your baby. You should feed your baby in a one-three hour timeframe throughout 24 hours. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and vitamins your baby needs, so make sure you breastfeed your baby for at least six months.

Breast milk should be your baby's principal source of nutrition for the very year of her life. Following feeding of breast milk exclusively for six months, other foods can be slowly introduced along with breastfeeding.

Weaning – when and how?

Weaning your baby from breast milk should be a gradual process because it could cause infection of the breasts. Also, there is no set time to wean your baby from breast milk, and it is a highly personal choice.

If you are unclear about any aspects of breastfeeding or weaning, you should seek the advice of an expert at a lactation clinic in Bangalore. If your baby experiences any problem in terms of feeding, you should visit a baby care center in Bangalore and get suitable attention.