Studies have shown that immediate breastfeeding delivers physical, mental and emotional benefits for the mother and baby.

Mother's first milk contains colostrum, a yellowish liquid rich in anti bodies that boosts baby's immune system and protects his intestines. Colostrum helps prevent cases of middle ear infections, stomach flu and pneumonia which are common in babies. it also protects them from allergies, as well as asthma and eczema.

Aside from providing nutritional gains for the baby, early breastfeeding also helps prepare mothers for a successful long-term breastfeeding experience by stimulating the nipples for consistent breast milk production. Sucking accelerates the flow of breast milk. So if a mother breastfeeds immediately after giving birth, the breast is stimulated and milk would come out sooner.

The mother's body temperature keeps the baby warm, which relaxes and gives him comfort. And because the baby would definitely discover the mother's breast, he would begin to suckle. This would help him become accustomed to his new environment. Suckling is a familiar behavior for the baby, so it helps relieve the stress the baby underwent during delivery.

Aside from the nutritional benefits of early breastfeeding for the baby, it also contributes to the health of mothers. Suckling stimulates the release of oxytocin, which helps in the contraction of the uterus and aids in stopping post-partum bleeding Also, since breastfeeding gives mothers the feeling of fulfillment, it contributes to her emotional development as well.

Early breastfeeding also helps the baby become familiar with the mother's body. After birth, the baby is in the optimal state of quiet alertness and this is the perfect time to discover his source of nourishment. To have the baby held by the mother will help him become comfortable with the mother's body.

It's amazing when you see a new born in her mother's arms; the instinct is very strong. Sometimes we don't even have to assist the baby; he finds the breast/nipple by himself. Babies find the source of nourishment by instinct.

Because it's the only way they can give their babies the best care and nourishment, mothers should emotionally and physically prepare for their first breastfeeding moment early on. A mother who intends to breastfeed must be in top physical health and observe proper nutrition.

After giving birth, it's important for a mother to continue nourishing herself to get the nutrients she needs to breastfeed her: child. And since it's not always easy to get the right amount of nutrients in one's daily: diet, a specialized milk for breastfeeding mothers is needed. Rich with the essential nutrients breastfeeding mothers need, adding this supplement to a well-balanced diet helps mothers meet their Recommended Energy Nutrient Intake and produce nutrient-rich breast milk for their newly born babies.

This is why the Perinatal Association of the Philippines (PAP) continues to create programs that will help educate and encourage mothers to breastfeed immediately. Ultimately, we want to make them realize that the only way they can ensure their baby's holistic growth and development is by maintaining their own health and wellness. Only through proper nutrition will mothers be able to give their children the best nourishment, which is none other than breast milk, as early as possible. This will also help them achieve success with their breastfeeding experience.

Source: Inquirer