There is a very wise old saying….”Prevention is better than cure”, I can see various examples of this in my day to day dealings with new moms and families.
Most of the times new moms/ Families have not been to any antenatal Breastfeeding Education Classes and many a times they have not read / heard anything about breastfeeding ! By the time I see them, baby has received many doses of Formula ( Animal milk) and or other things like honey etc and Baby most of the time is being fed through a bottle and mother’s confidence has totally gone !
I often feel like asking the family that will they do the same when travelling to an unknown place? i.e. just reach there without acquiring any knowledge about the place? So how come you enter parenthood without researching about how and what to feed your baby!!
Studies have shown that people who learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy have better breastfeeding rates compared to those who haven’t. Pregnancy is the best time to learn about breastfeeding. Antenatal classes taken by a Trained LC can prepare you best by guiding you about what’s normal, what’s expected, how to breastfeed incase of caesarean, how to ensure baby is getting colostrum in case of separation etc.
If you are in city/ area where you don’t have access to a good LC, look for online sessions. Prepare well for one of the most important phases of your life…..It results in a happy and healthy Mom, baby, family and society.
Dr Shacchee Baweja & Dr Vipul Baweja 