Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure

child health and survival.

WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within
the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months
of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water.
However, contrary to WHO recommendations, only 65% mothers in India
exclusively breastfeed infants till 6 months of age.

Importance of breastmilk

Breast Bottle
Why choose breastmilk over bottle feed milk feed

Naturally has all nutrients

Contains Antibodies

Prevent health problems in your baby

Less likely to be hospitalized with breathing infections

Helps lower the risk for breast and ovarian cancer

Your first milk, Colostrum – the Liquid Gold

• Called liquid gold for its deep yellow color, colostrum is the thick first milk that you make during
pregnancy and just after birth
• It is rich in nutrients and includes antibodies to protect your baby from infections
• It helps your newborn infant’s digestive system to grow and function
• Colostrum changes into mature milk by the third to fifth day after birth. This mature milk has just
the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow
• It looks thinner than colostrum, but it has the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs for
healthy growth

Benefits of breastfeeding to Mom Benefits of breastfeeding to Baby

Breastfeeding offers • Breast cancer. Research • Diarrhea, vomiting and
several benefits for you, • Ovarian cancer. suggests that preterm necrotizing
too. In the months after • Endometrial breastfeeding enterocolitis (NEC).
delivery, breastfeeding cancer. lowers your • Respiratory infections like
lowers your risk for • Thyroid cancer. baby’s risk of pneumonia, respiratory
postpartum • Osteoporosis. certain diseases syncytial virus (RSV) and
depression if • Type 2 diabetes. and helps build a whooping cough.
breastfeeding is going • Cardiovascular strong immune • Ear infections.
well and you feel disease. system. • Bacterial meningitis.
well-supported. • High blood Breastfed • Asthma.
It also benefits you much pressure. (chestfed) • Sudden infant death
farther down the road, • High cholesterol. babies have a syndrome (SIDS) and
lowering your risk of lower risk of infant mortality.
developing: • Type 2 diabetes later in
life.

How do I make baby latch properly?

Create a calm Hold your baby Let your baby lead Hold your baby Allow your breast
environment first skin-to-skin skin-to-skin to hang naturally
How to hold your baby while feeding:

Clutch or “Football” Hold: Cross-Cradle or Transitional Cradle Hold:

Useful if you have a C-section , or if Hold: An easy, common hold that is
you have large breasts, flat or Useful for premature babies or babies comfortable for most mothers and
inverted nipples, or a strong let-down with a weak suck because this hold babies. Hold your baby with his or
reflex. This hold is also helpful for gives extra head support and may her head on your forearm and his or
babies who like to be in a more help the baby stay latched. Hold your her body facing yours.
upright position when they feed. baby along the area opposite from
Hold your baby at your side with the the breast you are using. Support
baby lying on his or her back and your baby's head at the base of his or
with his or her head as the level of her neck with the palm of your hand.
your nipple. Support your baby's
head by placing the palm of your
hand at the base of his or her head.

Laid-Back Hold:
Side-Lying Position:
A more relaxed, baby-led approach. Lie
back on your pillow. Lay your baby Useful if you have had a
against your body with your baby's C-Section, but also allows you to
head just above and between your rest while the baby breastfeeds.
breasts. Gravity and an instinct to nurse Lie on your side with your baby
will guide your baby to your breast. As facing you. Pull your baby close
your baby searches for your breast, so your baby faces your body.
support your baby's head and shoulders
but don't force the latch.

BABY’S AGE NUMBER OF WET DIAPERS NUMBER OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS COLOR AND TEXTURE OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS

Day 1 1 within 8 hrs Thick, tarry, and black

Day 2 2 3 Thick, tarry, and black
Day 3 5 to 6 3 Looser greenish to yellow
Day 4 6 3 Yellow, soft and watery
Day 5 6 3 Loose and seedy, yellow colour
Day 6 6 3 Loose and seedy, yellow colour
Day 7 6 3 Loose and seedy, yellow colour

How to burp your baby

Burping your baby is a key part of your baby’s feeding routine. When your baby swallows, air
bubbles can become trapped in the stomach and cause discomfort. Burping allows your baby to
remove some of that gassiness to relieve the pain. It also helps prevent spitting up.

Over the shoulder Sitting on your lap Lying across your lap

• Hold your baby upright • Sit your baby on your lap • Rest your baby faced down
with the head resting on supporting the chin and on your lap and gently rub
your shoulder. chest with one hand. Rub or or pat the back.
• Pat the back with your pat the back with your • Tip: Keep a cloth nearby in
other hand. other hand. case your baby spits up.
• Tip: Cupping your hand • Tip: Use repeated, gentle
slightly is gentler than a pats on your baby’s back.
flattened palm.

Common breastfeeding challenges and how what to do about them:

SORE NIPPLES
• A good latch is key. If your baby sucks only on the nipple, gently break your baby’s suction to your
breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again.
• If you find yourself wanting to delay feedings because of pain, get help from a lactation consultant.
• Try changing positions each time you breastfeed.
• After breastfeeding, express a few drops of milk and gently rub it on your nipples with clean hands.
• Human milk has natural healing properties and oils that soothe. Also, try letting your nipples air-dry
after feeding or wear a soft cotton shirt.
• Don’t wear bras or clothes that are too tight and put pressure on your nipples.

LOW MILK SUPPLY

• Make sure your baby is latched on and positioned well
• Breastfeed often and let your baby decide when to end the feeding. If your baby does not empty
the breast, try pumping afterward
• Offer both breasts at each feeding. Have your baby stay at the first breast as long as he or she is still
sucking and swallowing
• Try to avoid giving your baby formula or cereal in addition to your breastmilk
• Consume clinically tested Galact lactation supplement to boost your breast milk quantity.
• Galact increases breast milk volume by 46% within 72 hrs

BREAST ENGORGEMENT
• Breastfeed often on the affected side to remove the milk, keep the milk moving freely, and prevent
your breast from becoming overly full.
• Avoid using pacifiers or bottles to supplement feedings.
• Hand express or pump a little milk to first soften the breast, areola, and nipple before breastfeeding.
• Massage the breast. Work with a lactation consultant to improve your baby’s latch.
• Use cold compresses on your breast in between feedings to help ease the pain.

PLUGGED DUCT
• Breastfeed on the affected side as often as every two hours. This will help loosen the plug and keep
your milk moving freely.
• Aim your baby’s chin at the plug. This will focus his suck on the duct that is affected.
• Massage the area, starting behind the sore spot. Move your fingers in a circular motion and massage
toward the nipple.
• Use a warm compress on the sore area. Wear a well-fitting supportive bra that is not too tight, since
this can constrict milk ducts. Consider trying a bra without underwire.
• Get extra sleep, or relax with your feet up to help speed healing. Often a plugged duct is a sign that
a mother is doing too much.

INVERTED NIPPLES
• Try to have skin to skin contact with you baby as soon as possible after birth and leave baby
between your breasts for as long as possible
• Try bringing out your nipple just before feeding with hands on stimulation by rolling the nipples and
“pinching” (gently) around the areola.
• Use the breast pump just before feeds to pull out the nipple
• Shape your breast before a feed. Compress your fingers a few centimetres behind your nipple to
make a “V” or “C” shape. This can help baby attach deeper onto your breast tissue and feed well.
• Use a nipple shield if the tips above do not work.
Six Engorgement Holds

1. One-handed 2. Two-handed, 3. Use the 4. Two-handed, 5. Two-handed, 6. Soft-ring

“flower hold.” one-step two-handed, two-step two-step method. Cut
Works best if method. Works one-step menthod. Using menthod. Using off the bottom
your fingernails best if your method. You two or three two straight half of an
are short. Curve fingernails are may ask fingers on each thumbs, place artificial nipple
your fingertips short. Curve someone to help side, place your your thumbnails and place it on
in toward your your fingertips in press by placing first knuckles on evenly on either the areola.
body and place toward your fingers or either side of the side of the Press with
them where body and place thumbs on top nipple and move nipple. Move 1/4 your fingers.
baby’s tongue them on each of yours. them 1/4 turn. turn and repeat
will go. side of the Repeat above and above and below
nipple. below the nipple the nipple.

Common FAQs:
Should I Supplement With Formula?
Giving your baby formula may cause him or her to not want as much breastmilk. This will decrease your milk
supply. If you worry about your baby getting enough milk, talk to your baby’s doctor or take herbal lactation
supplement that helps to increase breast milk volume.

Does My Baby Need Cereal Or Water?

Your baby needs only breastmilk for the first 6 months of life. Breastmilk has all the nutrition your baby needs

Can I Take Medicines If I Am Breastfeeding?

You can take certain medicines while breastfeeding, but not all. Almost all medicines pass into your milk in small
amounts. Some have no effect on the baby and can be used while breastfeeding. Always talk to your doctor or
pharmacist about medicines you are using and ask before you start using new medicines.

Can I Breastfeed If I Am Sick?

Most common illnesses, such as colds, seasonal flu, or diarrhea, can’t be passed through breastmilk. In fact, your
breastmilk has antibodies in it. These antibodies will help protect your baby from getting the same sickness.
If you are sick with a flu, including the H1N1 flu (also called the swine flu),
you should avoid being near your baby. You also should not breastfeed if you:
• Have HIV or AIDS
• Have untreated, active tuberculosis
• Are infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
• Take prescribed cancer chemotherapy agents, such as antimetabolites
• Are undergoing radiation therapy

What Do I Do If My Baby Keeps Crying?

If your baby does not seem comforted by breastfeeding or other soothing
measures, talk to your baby’s doctor. Your baby may be uncomfortable or in pain

Pumping your breast milk:

If you are unable to breastfeed your baby directly, it is important to
remove milk during the times your baby normally would feed. This will help
you to continue making milk.
• Before you express breastmilk, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based
hand sanitizer
• Make sure the area where you are expressing and your pump parts and bottles are clean.

Storing your breast milk:

Breastmilk can be stored in clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. You can also use
milk storage bags, which are made for freezing human milk. Refrigerate or chill the milk right after it is expressed

PLACE TEMPERATURE HOW LONG THINGS TO KNOW

Counter top Room temp Up to 4 hours is best. Containers should be covered and kept as cool
table (up to 77°F) Up to 6 to 8 hours is as possible. Covering the container with a clean
okay for very clean cool towel may keep milk cooler. Throw out any
expressed milk. leftover milk within 1 to 2 hours after the baby
is finished feeding.

Refrigerator 39°F or Up to 3 days is best. Store milk in the back of the main body of the
colder Up to 5 days is okay for refrigerator. When at work, you can place your
very clean expressed expressed milk in the refrigerator. Use a canvas
milk. or insulated bag, and place it at the back of the
refrigerator.

Freezer 0°F or colder Up to 3 to 6 months is Store milk toward the back of the freezer
best. where the temperature is most constant. Milk
Up to 9 months is okay stored at 0°F or colder is safe for longer
for very clean expressed durations, but the quality of the milk might not
milk. be as high.

Deep freezer -4°F or Up to 6 months. Store milk toward the back of the freezer
colder Up to 12 months is okay where the temperature is most constant. Milk
for very clean expressed stored at 0°F or colder is safe for longer
milk. durations, but the quality of the milk might not
be as high.

Handling stress:
The prevalence of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in the world is
estimated to range from 10 to 30%. In India, about 22% of mothers
suffer from postpartum depression (Ref - Asian Journal of
Psychiatry Volume 57, March 2021, 102567).

DID YOU KNOW?

Breastfeeding can help mothers relax and handle stress better.
Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has a soothing effect. Having a
new baby and learning to breastfeed can be stressful. But it is
important for new mothers to take care of themselves. We
recommend talking to an expert to handle stress better. Getting the
support of friends and family is critical during this phase.
Weaning your baby:
Three stages of weaning:
Stage 1 – Introduction of solid foods – from around 6 months
Stage 2 – More textures and tastes – from around 7 months
Stage 3 – Wider variety and family food – from around 9-12 months

From the first time you feed your baby something other than your milk, the process of weaning begins. Weaning
is the journey between when your child is fully breastfed (or breastmilk-fed, if you feed expressed milk) and
when your child stops nursing for comfort and nutrition.
When to wean your baby
Weaning happens very gradually, often without any fuss, process, or effort.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Breastfeed exclusively (no other foods or drinks) for the first 6 months of your baby’s life.
• After 6 months of age, continue to breastfeed and begin to add solid foods (this is when weaning begins).
• After your baby’s first birthday, continue to breastfeed for as long as both you and your baby are comfortable.
Some mothers and babies continue to nurse into the toddler years and beyond. Breastfeeding is good for
mother and child at any age, and no evidence has been found of developmental harm from breastfeeding an
older child.

How to wean your baby?

• If your baby is still very young, you may need to express some milk from your breasts. By removing less milk
than normal, your breasts will make less milk.
• Start by taking away his or her least favorite feeding first. Nursing sessions that come before falling asleep or
after waking are often the ones to go last. Wait a few days to drop another feeding.
• Avoid sitting in your special nursing chair, but do offer extra cuddles or babywearing during this transition so
your child can still enjoy being close to you.
• Distract your child with an activity or outing during the times when you would normally nurse.
• If your baby likes to nurse to sleep, try a car ride or let your partner do the bedtime routine.

Breastfeeding Myths:
MYTH 1: FORMULA HAS MORE VITAMINS THAN BREAST MILK
• If your baby is still very young, you may need to express some milk from your
breasts. By removing less milk than normal, your breasts will make less milk.
• Start by taking away his or her least favorite feeding first. Nursing sessions that
come before falling asleep or after waking are often the ones to go last. Wait a few
days to drop another feeding.
• Avoid sitting in your special nursing chair, but do offer extra cuddles or
babywearing during this transition so your child can still enjoy being close to you.
• Distract your child with an activity or outing during the times when you would
normally nurse.
• If your baby likes to nurse to sleep, try a car ride or let your partner do the bedtime
routine.

MYTH 2: BREASTFEEDING MAKES YOUR BREASTS SAG.

• In fact, the opposite is true. Formula cannot match the nutrients and vitamins in breastmilk. More
importantly, breastmilk has antibodies, which can only be passed from your body to your baby. This is what
helps protect your baby from getting sick. Breastmilk is recommended by the American Academy of
Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Breastfeeding is a great choice to ensure your baby’s nutrition.

MYTH 3: IF YOUR BREASTS ARE TOO SMALL, YOU CAN’T BREASTFEED

• Size and shape of breasts do not affect ability to breastfeed and have nothing to do with how much milk a
woman actually makes. This includes women with large areolas (the area around the nipple), flat nipples, and
even women who’ve had breast surgery. (Note: If you’ve had a massive breast reduction, milk ducts and
glands might have been removed, which means you may make less milk.)

MYTH 4: IF YOUR BREASTS ARE TOO LARGE OR YOU ARE PLUS SIZE, YOU CAN’T BREASTFEED
• Women of all sizes can successfully breastfeed. So if you’re a larger mom-to-be or new mom, you should not
let the size of your breasts automatically rule it out. If you’re big breasted, it may take some extra patience or
some assistance from an IBCLC. Plus-size women are more likely to have C-sections, which means your milk
might come in a few days later. Depending on the size of your breasts, you may need a little more practice to
find a hold that works for you and your baby. But with the right help and support, you can do it!

45% higher breast milk

volume within 72 Hrs*
*Than placebo. Ref – Basedon the clinical study results

Recommended Usage: 6 Months^

^Based on the available evidence of Shatavari & WHO recommendations on breastfeeding