by Dr Neelima Mantri | Sep 28, 2021 | Blog, Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding makes the most critical and fundamental part of nutrition for the baby. It’s the nature design to ensure the offspring receives all the vital nutrients for the other which is why it is an essential practice among all the mammals on planet earth.
But why exactly is it is beneficial for the nurturing of the baby? What makes breastmilk a superfood for babies and does breastfeeding benefit the mother too? We often get plenty of questions at our gynaecology clinic in Mumbai, in today’s blog we have decided to answer them.
What is breastfeeding? How often should the baby be fed?
Feeding the breastmilk to the baby to ensure survival and optimal health to the baby is breastfeeding. Gynaecologists strongly recommend mandatory breastfeeding until 6 months and as soon as the food habits slowly pick up, breastfeeding is recommended to continue throughout the year.
Frequency of the breastfeeding depends upon the baby’ choice of feeding – short or long feeding habits. Usually new-born are to be fed every 2-3 hours, 2-months babies are to be fed every 3-4 hours and 6-month nannies are to be fed every 4-5 hours on average.
So now how exactly breastfeeding is beneficial to mother and baby? Coming up, right away:
Benefits of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby:
Breastmilk is the super-food for babies: Breastmilk provides all the essential nutrients in the most bio-absorbable form in the right proportions. Also, the composition adapts to the baby’s changing needs making it a wholesome food for the little one.
Breastmilk is an immunity booster: The new baby who is just into this world will be vulnerable to health risks and guess who provides the cover – mother’s breast milk.
Through breastmilk, the antibodies of the other are directly transferred to the baby providing an immunity shot against all the diseases the mother is immune against. Case in point – Recent research also suggests that mothers vaccinated with the covid vaccine also pass their antibodies through their breast making babies naturally immune to the COVID-19 virus, according to the best female gynaecologist in Mumbai. Dr Neelima Mantri.
Breastmilk makes a child smart: Breast milk provides the right nutrients in the right quantities, guards against diseases by improving immunity and also plays a crucial role in increasing the cognitive ability of the baby. Breastfeeding helps in optimal brain development and a breastfed baby is less likely to face learning difficulties compared to their counterparts.
Helps lower the risk of diseases for mom: Not just the baby, breastfeeding also helps moms by reducing the risk of certain medical conditions and diseases. Breastfeeding moms reportedly reduce their risk of osteoporosis, postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancers.
Breastfeeding helps in a smooth transition for mom: The act of breastfeeding also bring-in a series of anatomical changes in women which serves as a bridge for a smoother transition for mothers. Breastfeeding triggers the shrinkage of the uterus to normal size, burns more calories to helps you lose weight, can keep away from ovulation for a smoother transition to regular life.
“But hands down the most important and enriching benefit of breastfeeding is it lays pillars and fosters an unbreakable bond between the mom and baby. ”, says leading lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri. So breastfeeding is a natural plan of laying a strong foundation physically, mentally and emotionally helping us humans survive and leading a healthy life. If you are a mom who needs more information about breastfeeding, then you can contact female gynaecologist, Dr Neelima Mantri here: +91 7045115577
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jan 28, 2019 | Blog, Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not only good for infants for improving their general health, but also beneficial for mothers, as they carry lesser risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease for long years to come. Lactation period is an essential stage, where infants get the right type of nourishment, and mothers who fail to breastfeed carry more risks of breast cancer, diabetes, ovarian cancer and other serious health issues. Timely breastfeeding can help mothers to ensure that the important functions of the body work in harmony and prevent the risk of many diseases, otherwise the effects of the systems going out of order can last for evn decades.
Beneficial hormones are released within he mother’s body due to breastfeeding, where prolactin and Oxytocin hormones help the mother to stay relaxed and to enhance the response in nurturing the baby. In fact, Oxytocin level helps the uterus to contract more quickly, thus reducing the risk of bleeding soon after the birth of the child. Pitocin is a synthetic hormone which is based on Oxytocin that helps the uterus to contract. Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins that are needed for the growth of a baby for the first six months. Moreover, breast milk contains the essential substances that help in fighting diseases, thus keeping the baby in good health.
A myriad of consequences can take place after a child’s birth if there is no proper breastfeeding by the mother. Breastfeeding should be the only choice for a mother to help her baby and herself stay in good health without having to carry the risks of diseases that can life threatening. Mothers need to consult a gynecologist for becoming aware of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Dr. Neelima Mantri is an Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, India, with over a decade of experience in the subject. You can call & book appointment with Dr. Neelima Mantri +91 70451 15577 for all gynaecological problems.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Jan 18, 2018 | Blog, Breastfeeding
Pregnancy is one of the positive time of a woman life. As a nursing mother, plenty of questions and answers are to be addressed and resolved for the pregnant women. Pregnant woman is duly concern is of every parent worried about the little one’s growth and health and addressing is a priority is a concern on everyone’s mind. Best Foods to Increase Breast Milk is to be identified is critical to a good nursing life for the newly born child. One of the most important questions that nursing moms have is what to eat during the feeding months that will ensure a good supply of milk. Finding the best foods to Increase Breast Milk Quickly that increases the breast milk supply is quite important for expectant mother.
- Fenugreek or Methi Seeds: fenugreek seeds have galactogogues, which help in breast milk production in mothers postpartum. New mothers are suggested by doctors to include fenugreek in their diet to improve their milk production for the same reason.
- Fennel Seeds or Saunf: Like fenugreek, fennel seeds are also thought be effective in boosting breast milk production. Regular use of fennel seeds helps in reducing bloating and improve digestion too.
- Cumin Seeds: It has an ability to aid in digestion, improve immunity & lactation.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is fantastic for building and maintaining your milk supply. oatmeal reduces cholesterol and can aid blood pressure regulation.
- Garlic: Garlic has been used for centuries by mothers to increase the milk supply and boosts the milk supply. A modern bonus for moms who don’t like garlic: garlic pills are commercially available and are said to have no taste for mothers who dislike the garlic taste.
- Carrots: Carrots are full of beta-carotene essential for the expectant mothers requiring lactating food. Carrots are a healthy source of carbohydrates and will boost your potassium, too.
- Nuts: A snack that is quite beneficial for the expectant mother and will them get over the need for the lactating food. Cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts are the most popular choices for giving your milk a boost.
- Green Papaya: Green papaya is a traditional galactagogue and a big help for the expectant mother. You can have it as a salad or try steaming it or stir frying. Any method of consumption would be beneficial for the mothers.
A proper dietary consumption is the need of the hour and a good consultation with a leading doctor like Dr Neelima Mantri who is one of the Best Lady Gynaecologist in Mumbai will be helpful. Taking care of the needs of the unborn child often lies at top of the list for expectant mothers. Dietary foods such as above will help in augmenting the breast supply during pregnancy.
by Dr Neelima Mantri | Sep 7, 2017 | Blog, Breastfeeding
The real work begins when the baby is on the board. For the past nine months, you have been anticipated for the day, which is finally arrived. Now, a mom is in her full time job of guarding and feeding her tiny one. What, how, when to feed the baby are the most common puzzles for the new mother, however there is a vast information available in the internet on breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby.
Breastfeeding is considered one of the most nutritious supply for the babies and also profits the mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics and WHO declared that the breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mother and child. In such a wonderful procedure, the busy mom and her little human being may experience some discomforts. Here we give some guidelines on how to protect you and your darling while breastfeeding.
For Mom:
By Food:
Eat proteins: Build up your protein portion in the daily food. A new mom needs to consume 71 grams of protein every day. Chicken, eggs, dairy products and salmon fish are the immediate protein blocks available in the market.
Veggies and fruits: Definitely a large portion of green vegetables and fruits should be included in your food intake as it the best source of fiber. They protect the mother from the cardiovascular diseases.
Carbs: To resume your work or restore the strength, carbohydrates help to stable the blood sugar.
Hydrate: Hydrating yourselves is the most important factor post pregnancy. Water is the foremost element to produce milk. Inadequate water intake may cause dizziness, bladder infections and many more side effects. Keep hydrating!
Postures: Comfort yourself while breast-feeding. Adjust and change the positions in relaxed ways, get some movement for every few minutes to avoid tense shoulders, upper and lower back pains and neck pains. Incorporate at least 15 minutes of low impact exercises to strengthen muscle tones.
For Baby:
Keep out of infections: Your new-born is very much prone to the infections as their immunity is weak for many years. Being yourself neat is the first and foremost way to prevent infections reaching the baby. Washing hands, cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, using separate utensils for the baby, ventilating the house with passable sunlight and air are some of the practices to be followed. And also ensure the baby to be vaccinated on time.
Remember the food you eat will turn to your baby’s food by breast milk. So, keep yourself healthy and far from sickness.
Postures: Check out the baby’s positions and make them relax while breast-feeding. Being rigid may put the little one’s spine into pressure. Keep an eye on the lower back and skull as their bones are too weak and immature.
Keep your new baby rocking – but protect your body as a new mom at the same time. Have a session with your doctor for more information on breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby.
