What is exclusive breastfeeding and how long it should be practiced?
Ans. Exclusive breastfeeding means when a baby receives only breastmilk and no other food or drink, not even water, allowing drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, medicines), and is fed frequently and unrestrictedly. WHO, UNICEF and all other experts on infant feeding recommend that exclusive breastfeeding should continue for first 6 months. Q. Why we should not give water to babies being exclusively breastfed? Ans. Infants exclusively breastfed for first six months grow well and need nothing else. If water is also given along with breastfeeding it leads to less desire for the baby to suckle and thereby decline in the production of breastmilk and that is also likely to be contaminated. Q. When should breastfeeding be started? Ans. As soon as possible after the baby is born, within half an hour of birth. Babies should be breastfed as often and when they show interest. No other feed should be given before initiating breastfeeding, as it is likely to delay breastfeeding and the newborn baby
