Breastfeeding from Womb to World

Verified by Dr Mansi Jani, Lactation consultant, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.

It is a widely known & accepted fact that breastfeeding is the best feeding method for our offspring. It is the ultimate & most important source of nutrition required for our newborns from birth till 2 years of age.

Breast milk is a dynamic fluid which changes to meet baby’s demand and requirements for their optimal growth, development and maturity. It is species specific and therefore for our babies, our breast milk is the best!

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Countless studies underscore breastfeeding’s powerful benefits, including

• Reducing intestinal infections, respiratory tract and ear infections, a wide range of allergies and even diabetes.
• There are multiple benefits to the breastfeeding mother as well, prevention from ovarian and breast cancers, low risk for DM, HTN, arthritis etc.

We at Apollo are committed to support breastfeeding and we also enact a spectrum of evidence-based protocols which help the new mothers and babies to have a successful breastfeeding relationship in our hospital and also after their discharge.

Lactation services at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai

Dr Mansi Jani [PT] IBCLC IYCF, is an international board-certified lactation consultant, who is providing lactation services, breastfeeding support at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. With her 11 years of overall experience and immense passion in helping new moms and babies, we have been able to achieve successful breastfeeding rates.

The Key areas of focus

1. Pregnancy Breastfeeding Counselling – Preparing a new mother for breastfeeding is the first step towards being successful in it. Our prenatal or antenatal counseling sessions include detailed insights on do’s & don’ts, what to expect, breast examination and guidance on milk collection right from the third trimester. We believe that the bond of breastfeeding begins even before the birth of baby.
2. Golden Hour Breastfeeding – We are committed to support breastfeeding for newborns within one hour of their birth. This is Golden Hour. Studies show that this helps mothers experience much more long-term breastfeeding success. This first breastfeeding helps stabilize baby’s blood sugar and jumpstart their digestive system, and it supports the mother’s milk production. We don’t allow any prelacteal feeds like sugar water, honey, jaggery water etc. to be given to the baby. Formula feeding is also not entertained unless medically indicated or with parents’ consent.
3. Rooming In: Our hospital’s birthing suites allow families to remain together during labor, delivery and develop their new bond. Rather than observing a clock-based feeding schedule, we promote feeding the baby when they want and need to. We teach the parents to learn & recognize their baby’s feeding cues. Feeding on cues helps mothers to experience more robust milk production.
4. Support during stay: Guidance on optimal breastfeeding positions, baby feeding needs, milk expression, getting enough milk and more is given to all mothers during their stay post normal delivery or C section. Babies who are transferred to NICU for special care & observation also receive their mother’s breastmilk.
5. Journey does not end at discharge: Post discharge follow up in our lactation OPD is taken care of. All post-partum mothers need help & guidance after they have gotten discharge from the hospital.

To summarize, the benefits of breastfeeding are not just for the mother and baby, but also for the society, economy and environment. Every mother choosing to breastfeed is bringing about a social change. We are Happy to be a part of this beautiful breastfeeding journey of a new mother and baby.

Consult Dr. Mansi Jani, Lactation consultant, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai for all queries on breastfeeding.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.