Breastfeeding is necessary for a newborn baby, but know when the baby should not be breastfed after birth?

UNICEF and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within an hour of birth. Continuing to breastfeed exclusively – without any other food – for the first six months promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects babies against infectious and chronic diseases.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that the baby should be breastfed within the first hour after a normal or caesarean delivery. Not only this, for the first six months of life, the baby should be exclusively breastfed. Breastfeeding not only strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, but it is beneficial for both mother and child in many ways. Breast-fed babies get the immunity they need to combat many viral and respiratory infections. The bioactive factors present in human milk give the child the strength to fight against various diseases and strengthen his immune system. In addition, breastfeeding helps in the healthy development of the baby's brain. It has been proven that long-term breastfeeding reduces the risk of metabolic diseases. Apart from helping the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size for mothers, it also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. When should a baby not be breastfed? However, there are also some differences. For example, newborns suffering from metabolic diseases i.e. galactosemia. If the mother is taking certain medicines, it is not advisable to breastfeed the baby. Especially such drugs that are being used in the treatment of cancer, similarly mothers using psychotropic drugs like lithium, retinoids, gold salt should also avoid breastfeeding. In case of breast abscesses and infections like ringworm, it would be a good option not to breastfeed for a few days. In case of nipple pain which is quite common, the following measures can be taken: Keep the baby's posture in such a way that he can drink milk properly. Keep baby close to body while feeding Consult a doctor so that the infection can be properly treated use of nipple shield Mothers Should Try Different Breastfeeding Positions If the nipples are dry or cracked, apply lanolin cream, moisturizing is a must.