90% of C-Section Babies Do Not Get Breast Milk Immediately After Birth, Survey Reveals

New Delhi: A case of delay in feeding mother's milk to the newborn after delivery through C-section operation has come to light. According to a survey by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, about 90 percent of children born through operation do not get mother's milk immediately after birth. In many cases the first milk is given to the child after two to three days. Experts say that under normal circumstances there should not be unnecessary delay in starting breastfeeding even after C-section.

Are 90 percent children not getting their first milk on time?

The survey was conducted involving 550 women during the World Breastfeeding Week which ran from August 1 to 7. In this, many such aspects related to breastfeeding came to light, which show that after delivery, both the mother and the newborn need correct information and timely support. The survey found that after C-section, the child is not breastfed immediately due to pain, weakness, fear of pressure on the stitches and family beliefs.

Should one stop breastfeeding during cold and cough?

In the survey, 70% of the women admitted that they stop breastfeeding when they have cold, cough or fever. But according to doctors, there is no need to stop milk in case of normal cold and cough. Ask the doctor what medicines you are taking. Only mother's milk gives the child the strength to fight disease.

Can a mother feed milk to her child even if she has cold-cough?

In the survey, about 70 percent of the women said that they stop breastfeeding when they have cold, cough or fever. According to experts, there is no need to stop breastfeeding every time in situations like common cold and cough. However, considering the nature of the disease and the medicines used, it is important to consult a doctor. Along with providing nutrition to the child, mother's milk also provides many essential immune elements.

Is the first portion of mother's milk so important for the child?

Colostrum, the thick yellow milk released at the beginning of birth, is considered very important for the newborn. It contains nutritional and immunological components, which help in the initial protection of the child. Experts say that it is not appropriate to throw it away considering it useless or to delay giving it to the child unnecessarily. It is advisable to give only mother's milk for the first six months.

Does breastfeeding affect women's beauty?

In the survey, 55 percent of the women admitted that they fear that their physical beauty will be affected by breastfeeding. This is also included in the social beliefs regarding breastfeeding. According to doctors, it is important to give priority to the health of the mother and child instead of such apprehensions. Correct information from family members regarding breastfeeding can also play an important role in increasing the confidence of the mother.

Does drinking more milk produce more breast milk?

40% women had this misconception. The truth is that just drinking milk does not increase breast milk. For this, balanced eating, adequate sleep and frequent feeding of the child are necessary. If necessary, consult a doctor or lactation expert.

Is it necessary to give water to the baby before six months?

In the survey, about 60 percent of the mothers said that they start giving water to the child even before he completes six months of age. According to experts, under normal circumstances only mother's milk is sufficient for six months and there is no need to give separate water. Therefore, it is important to give priority to medical advice instead of traditional advice from elders in the family.