Starting early breastfeeding will give positive impact to the health of babies. Mother to promote his affection to her baby (emotional connection) and can stimulate uterine contractions.
Early breastfeeding could provide immediate passive immunity to the infant via colostrum. Colostrum (milk during the first few days after birth) has a high nutritional value and contain all the elements needed by infants. If a sufficient amount of breast milk, mothers should let the baby suckle without stopping in accordance with what he wanted. At the time the baby off the nipple, the mother offers the nipple side. Limiting the time for the baby feeds will reduce the amount of nutrients that should be received by the infant and will decrease production of breast milk itself.
Some things to consider regarding breast feeding in infants, among others:
- Began to suckle immediately after birth, within the first 30 minutes.
- Do not give food or other beverages to infants (eg water, honey, sugar water solution or substitute milk) unless there is a clear indication (for medical reasons). Rarely do the mothers do not have enough milk so that babies need the extra intake of artificial milk.
- Give only breast milk during the first six months of life.
- Give breast milk in infants according to their needs, both day and night (eight times or more in 24 hours) during the baby wants it.
