In the fifties and sixties a breast feeding woman was consideres unsophisticated. It was darkly hinted that breast feeding spoilt your figure.Suddenly, after years of neglect, breast feeding is in vogue again. WHO and UNICEF have certified that breast feeding is best for infants. However, as a mother before starting breast feeding YOU should be convinced that breast feeding is best for both you and your baby. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor and read some of the literature available on this subject.

The advantages of breast feeding are many:
For baby :
1: Your milk is specifically designed for your baby. Breast milk is easily digested and it has all nutrients in the correct percentage. A breast fed baby does not need any vitamin supplements.
2: Breast milk protects your child against infections.
3: Breast milk guards the baby against allergies.
4: Breast fed babies develop better teeth.

For mothers:
1: Breast feeding devolops a bond between mother and child.
2: Breast feeding delays the onset of menstruation and prevents iron loss through menstrual fluids.
3: Breast feeding the baby soon after birth stops bleeding from the uterus.
4: Breast feeding gives protection from pregnancy during the first six months.
5: Breast feeding dissolves the fat accumulated during pregnancy and so gives you a better figure.

Some FAQs about breast feeding:
Q.1. What is the ideal frequency for breast feeding?
A. You must breast feed your baby when ever he is hungry. Breast milk is easily digested so your baby may feel hungry quite often. How ever after the first few weeks babies develop a schedule for feeding. If your child starts crying soon after feeding, he may not be hungry. Try to see if there is some other problem for example: a wet nappy.

Q.2. Should I feed my child at night?
A. Yes, if he is hungry.

Q.3.Should a mother breast feed from both breasts at each feed?
A. This is best left to the baby. If your baby feeds from only one breast at a time, feed him from the other breast at the next feed.

Q.4. How can you judge that a breast fed baby is getting enough nutrition?
A. If a baby having only mothers milk urinates more than six times in 24 hours, you can be sure that he getting enough. You would also notice that the urine is light in colour.

Q.5. Does a breast feed baby need extra multi-vitamin, vitamin c, calcium and iron?
A. There is no need for these additives. I would only advise mothers to eat a healthy diet. Also expose your baby to morning sun light for 10 minutes every day.

Q.6.Should you burp your baby after every meal?
A. Yes. Babies swallow some air along with milk. Their stomachs become uncomfortably full. If they are not burped they may even get colic pains.
Sit them upright in your lap and rub their stomach. Or else hold the baby against your shoulder and massage or pat him on his back.The gas should go out in a few minutes.