04 August 2021

Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is breast milk given to a newborn baby in the first six months.

Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding

1. Viewed from the nutritional aspect :

• Complete nutritional content
• Easy to digest and absorb
• Contains lipase for fat digestion
• Increases calcium absorption
• Contains immune substances (immunity)

2. Viewed from a psychological aspect :

• Bringing the relationship between mother and baby closer
• Creates a sense of security for the baby
• Developing a basic sense of trust

3. Viewed from the family planning aspect :

• Delays the return of fertility
• Spacing out pregnancies

4. For mothers :

• Reduces the incidence of cervical cancer and breast cancer
• Reduces the incidence of HPV (Human Papillo Virus)
• Accelerates uterine involution

5. For families :

• Economic Aspect : Economical because you don't buy formula milk and babies rarely get sick so medical costs can be saved
• Convenience aspect : No need to disturb other people

6. For the nation and state :

• Reducing child mortality and morbidity
• Reduce hospital subsidies for maternal and child care
• Improving the quality of the next generation

How to provide exclusive breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding technique
Breastfeeding technique needs to be paid attention to, because it really determines success in maintaining breastfeeding and increasing breast milk production.

2. Mother's position follows
Sit in a comfortable and relaxed position, if necessary, use a chair with back and arm rests. Use a pillow to support the baby, so that the baby is not too far from the breast.

3. Insert the nipple
If breastfeeding starts with the right breast, place the baby's head on the inside of the elbow of the right arm, the baby's body facing the mother's body. The baby's left arm is placed around the mother's waist, the mother's right hand holds the baby's buttocks/right thigh. Support the mother's right breast with the four fingers of the left hand below it, and the thumb above it, but not above the black part (aerola mamae). Touch the baby's mouth with the nipple, wait until the baby opens his mouth wide. Immediately insert the nipple into your mouth until the area is black.

4. Release the baby's suction
After you have finished breastfeeding the baby for 10 minutes, release the baby's suction by :

• Insert the mother's clean little finger into the corner of the baby's mouth by pressing the baby's chin down
• By closing the baby's nostrils
• Don't pull on the nipple to remove it

5. Burp the baby
After the baby's suction is released, burp the baby before breastfeeding with the other breast, by :

• Rest the baby on the mother's shoulder and pat her back gently until a burp comes out
• The baby is placed face down on the mother's shoulder and lap, while her back is rubbed

Reviewed by: dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Mayapada Hospital Health Article

Picture : freepik.com/zilvergolf