Recommended Practices for Successful Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the natural and complete food for infants. It is safe, inexpensive and provides all the nutrients most babies need for the first six months of life. Breastmilk has the added advantage of boosting the baby's resistance to disease. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from eczema, food allergy and respiratory illness than formula-fed babies.

Here are recommended breastfeeding practices for your baby:
Initiate breastfeeding immediately after delivery. Early skin-to-skin contact establishes natural bonding between the mother and the newborn. Early initiation stimulates breastmilk production, providing the newborn with colostrum that is rich in vitamin A and antibodies.

Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. Breastmilk alone in the first six months of a baby's life provides enough energy and nourishment to sustain normal growth and development. Giving other foods or liquids reduces the consumption of breastmilk. It also increases the risk of illness associated with exposure to contaminated water, breastmilk substitutes, and feeding bottles.

Breastfeed frequently. Frequent feedings help maintain the supply of breastmilk.

Continue frequent, on-demand breastfeeding. Gradually introduce clean, nutrient-rich complementary foods after six months. Complementary foods should be provided in addition to breatsmilk when the baby is physically ready for them, so as not to burden the digestive system.

Breastfeed a sick child during and after illness. Sick children will often refuse to eat but it is advised to continue breastfeeding them.

When milk supply is adequate, nurse the baby each time on alternate breasts. Newborn babies usually consume 2-3 ounces of milk at every feeding. The quantity produced increases as the flow of breastmilk is established and as the baby grows and demands more. However, once the baby learns to suckle and the mother has enough milk, the baby could be breastfed for about 20 minutes.

For more information on breastfeeding, you may write or call Director Corazon VC. Barba, FNRI-DOST, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila at telephone numbers (02) 8372934 or (02) 8372071 local 2296. You may also e-mail us at cvcb@fnri.dost.gov.ph or visit our website at http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

S&T Media Service
FNRI-DOST Media Release for 2003