MOTHER'S DAY (Sunday, May 8th)

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother

Would-be mothers and new mothers: breast milk is the best feed for your baby. But you and your baby are unique, and the decision is up to you. 

Breast milk has the vitamins, protein, and fat that your baby needs to grow; it is easily digestible; it has antibodies that fight off viruses and bacteria; and it reduces the risk of the baby being affected by asthma or allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhoea. Therefore, fewer trips to the doctor, and fewer hospitalizations.

Breastfeeding may also lead to higher IQ of the baby. It may also lower the risk of obesity and diabetes, of certain cancers, and of  SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). But more research is needed to establish these claims. It is certain though that the physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby to bond with you and  to feel secure.

Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so helps the mother lose pregnancy weight faster; and releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. It may also reduce uterine bleeding after birth; and may also lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and  of osteoporosis.

And it saves you money: you don't have to buy baby feed, bottles and other items.

A mother makes enough milk to meet baby's needs. The thick, yellowish, breast milk - the "first milk" or colostrum - you make for the first few days after birth, is ideal for the newborn and helps her digestive tract to develop.

Under certain conditions - if you are undergoing chemotherapy, have HIV, have active tuberculosis etc - breastfeeding should not be done. Your doctor will advise you about these.

Use hands, or a breast pump, to extract breast milk for use later. You can store it in a refrigerator for up to two days, and in a freezer for up to six months. Stored milk should not be warmed up in a microwave because that destroys some of its immune-boosting qualities. Warm it in a bowl of warm water. Your baby may take a few weeks to get used to breast milk in a bottle.

Sometimes vessels in your breast become congested and the breasts feel hard, painful and swollen. Using ice packs and hot showers alternately can give relief. Releasing breast milk also helps.

See your doctor if your breasts become unusually red, swollen, hard, or sore; or unusual discharge or bleeding from your nipples; or baby not gaining enough weight.

Enjoy motherhood. All love begins and ends there.

Tahitian Woman and Two Children - Paul Gauguin (1901)