Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Zhao Jia
In many developing countries breastfeeding is rapidly declining. Even though it is the healthiest, safest and least expensive way to feed young children.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
International infant formula makers spend billions of dollars each year on advertising in China to convince mothers that their products are good for babies. They claims falsely to have ingredients that will make your child a genius.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
Breastfed babies have less sickness, grow better and stronger, have higher intelligence, do better in school and are healthier throughout their lifetime, than babies fed on artificial substitutes.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Zhao Jia
Doctors and nutrition experts around the world agree that the best way to feed a baby is solely with mothers milk for the first 6 months of life – nothing else, not even water – followed by continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years along with soft, mashed up food from the family pot. There is no better way to start your child in life.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
Breastfeeding is best for all babies but it is especially important for rural mothers to breastfeed exclusively, especially when water and sanitation conditions are not safe. Breastfed babies suffer less diarrhoea, coughs and colds and have fewer eye and ear infections. Breastmilk also provides all the water that babies need in the first 6 months of life.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Yan Lu
The best way to succeed in breastfeeding is to start thinking and planning for it well before the baby is born. Plan to deliver the baby naturally. Make sure you have enough time to rest and lots of good food to eat while breastfeeding. Babies start slowly and learn to feed naturally when they can feed whenever they want to. They need to stay close to mother immediately after birth.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2008/Thomas Billhardt
Some mothers feel that they don’t have milk. Biologically this is extremely rare. Babies only need about a teaspoonful of mother’s milk on the first day. Their stomachs are only about the size of a walnut. The first few drops of mother’s milk is called colostrum. This milk is thicker and yellow and it gives the newborn the immunities and antibodies that fight infection. Without this babies will have a much higher rate of sickness and a higher chance of death.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
Its very important to relax, have confidence and allow your baby to suckle as often as possible and most important, don’t be tempted to feed the new baby formula milk. At the very beginning even one use of a bottle can complicate feeding. For the newborn feeding from a bottle is quite different from the natural suckling instinct. Milk flows differently from a bottle.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2008/Thomas Billhardt
Fathers and family members should be ready to help you breastfeed. Mother’s who are supported, who can relax and spend lots of time with their babies, can more easily get the baby’s feeding at the breast underway.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
Breastfeeding and skin to skin contact has been shown to help children to feel emotionally secure and well connected to their mother. This is an essential period of bonding when the baby gazes at your face for hours taking nature’s perfect nourishment and feeling your love and protection all around.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
After six months of exclusive breastfeeding it`s time for your baby to start eating soft, mashed up foods from the family pot, along with continued breastfeeding from mother. There is no need to introduce any special baby foods or formula ever! Keep breastfeeding for 2 years while getting your child accustomed to the foods that the family normally eats.

Photo Credit: UNICEF/China/2011/Jerry Liu
Enjoy these golden days, knowing that your baby is getting the best possible start in life!