infant feeding - starting breastfeeds

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Practically all mothers, including those with mild to modrated chronic malnutrition, can successfully breastfeed. Soon after delivery, the mother should be alllowed to keep the newborn with her (rooming in). After a normal delivery, babies shudl receive the first breastfeed as soon as possible and preferably within one hour of birth. During this period and later, the normal newborn shuld not be given any other fluid or food like honey. ghutti, animal or powereded milk, tea, water or glucose water, since these are potenially harmful. It is essential that the baby gets the first breastmilk called colostrum which is thicker and yellower than later milk and comes only in small amounts in teh first few days. Colstrum is all the food and fluid needed at this time - non supplements are necessary not even water. The mother, especiallly with the first birth, may need help in the proper positioning for breastfeeding. Breastffeds should be given as often as the baby desires and each feed should continue for as long as the infant wants to suckle.