Exclusive Breastfeeding
Exclusive Breastfeeding
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Exclusive Breastfeeding
Imtihanatun Najahah
Abstract
For infants, breast milk is the best food. It is clean and safe, and has antibodies that
protect against a variety of common childhood diseases. Breast milk meets all of an
infant’s nutrient and energy needs during the first few months of life, and it continues
to meet up to one third and up to half of a child’s nutritional requirements during the
second half of the first year. Breast milk, here in after abbreviated as breastfeeding, is
the liquid produced by the secretion of the mother’s breast glands. Exclusive breast-
feeding, is breast milk given to babies from birth for 6 (six) months, without adding
and/or replacing it with other food or drinks. Exclusive breastfeeding is that babies
are only given breast milk, without additional liquids such as formula milk, orange
juice, honey, tea, water and without additional solid foods such as bananas, papaya,
milk porridge, biscuits, rice porridge and team, for 6 months. There are many factors
to get success exclusive breastfeeding.
1. Introduction
For infants, breast milk is the best food. It is clean and safe, and has antibodies that
protect against a variety of common childhood diseases. Breast milk meets all of an
infant’s nutrient and energy needs during the first few months of life, and it continues
to meet up to one third and up to half of a child’s nutritional requirements during the
second half of the first year [1]. In 1990, WHO-UNICEF made a declaration known as
the Innocenti Declaration. The declaration, which was born in Innocenti, Italy, aims
to protect, promote, and provide support for breastfeeding. In this declaration which
was also signed by Indonesia, it was explained that in order to optimally improve the
health and quality of baby food, all mothers are advised to give exclusive breastfeed-
ing from birth to 4 months of age. After the age of 4 months, babies begin to be given
complementary foods/solids that are correct and appropriate, while breastfeeding is
continued until the age of 2 years or more. In 1999, evidence was found that feeding
too early has a negative effect on infants. Since then, UNICEF has provided clarifica-
tion regarding the recommended period for exclusive breastfeeding. UNICEF’s latest
recommendation with the World Health Assembly (WHA) and many other countries
is to set a period of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months [2].
Breastfeeding, is the liquid produced by the secretion of the mother’s breast
glands. Exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, is breast milk given to babies
from birth for 6 (six) months, without adding and/or replacing it with other food
or drinks. Exclusive breastfeeding is that babies are only given breast milk, without
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Infant Nutrition and Feeding
additional liquids such as formula milk, orange juice, honey, tea, water and without
additional solid foods such as bananas, papaya, milk porridge, biscuits, rice porridge
and team, for 6 months [3].
Exclusive breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Exclusive breast-
feeding for 6 months is the optimal method of infant feeding. Breastfeeding provides
the baby with nutrients for growth and development, and boosting the immune
system. There is some evidence to prove that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months
provides protection against gastrointestinal infections and iron deficiency anemia.
Exclusive breastfeeding also makes women amenorrhea for 6 months postpartum and
helps them avoid unplanned pregnancies that end in abortion. In addition, research
evidence shows that breastfeeding improves sensory and cognitive development while
protecting babies against chronic illnesses and respiratory infections (common cold,
cough, or pneumonia). Exclusive breastfeeding arrangements aim to
2. Exclusive breastfeeding
nutrients. Mothers sometimes worry that their milk is “too thin” because it looks
watery. Milk never appears “too thin.” For a baby to have a complete “meal,” they must
have both foremilk and hindmilk. The transition from “fore” milk to “hind” milk is
gradual. From the beginning to the end of a feed, the fat content gradually rises [5].
The small amount of milk that accumulates between feedings is extracted from
the milk ducts under the alveoli when the baby latches onto the breast. Two hormones
are released as a result of this suckling: oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin causes the
alveoli, the cells that produce milk, to squeeze the milk out of the ducts and toward
the nipple, while prolactin instructs the alveoli to produce more milk.
The system of breastfeeding is based on the law of supply and demand. The
quantity of milk produced is determined by the amount of milk taken from the
breast. Milk production takes place both between and during feedings. The quantity
of milk produced will be influenced by the baby’s breastfeeding frequency, duration,
and quality. The breast produces foremilk at the beginning of a feeding. This has more
fluid and lactose. The baby gets more fat and calories from the hind milk it gets later
in the feeding process. To ensure that the baby receives the hind milk required to feel
satisfied and gain sufficient weight, it is essential to allow the baby to finish the first
side completely. Learning to breastfeed is a skill that may require some time [5].
Kramer & Kakuma (2004) repeated evidence of the effect of exclusive breastfeed-
ing on the health and growth of infants, revealing that infants who were exclusively
breastfed for up to six months showed a lower morbidity rate of digestive diseases and
allergies. Provision of breast milk (breastfeeding) for premature babies greatly affects
the level of their intelligence as adults, It’s conclusion of the experiment for 16 years
there were 424 babies conducted by Prof. Alan Lucas and colleagues at the Institute
for Child Care at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. This research shows that
food management immediately after birth has a similar effect on all babies, not just
premature babies. In 1982 when research began, hospitals generally gave standard
infant formula to premature babies. Since the late 1980s, most UK hospitals have
switched from standard infant formula to formula fortified with breast milk [6].
In developing countries, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age
of 4–6 months and continued breastfeeding accompanied by adequate and complete
food intake until the baby is 2 years old, even though the baby has growth delays [7].
Gibney et al. 2009 wrote that obstacles hindering the success of breastfeeding are
the many unwarranted beliefs and attitudes toward the meaning of breastfeeding,
which makes mothers not practice exclusive breastfeeding for their babies in the first
6 months period. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) both recommend that infants begin breastfeeding within
the first hour of their birth and consume only breast milk for the first six months of
their lives—no other foods or liquids, including water, are provided. Infants should be
breastfed whenever they want to, throughout the day and night. Pacifiers, teats, and
bottles should not be used. Children should begin eating safe and adequate comple-
mentary foods at the age of six months, and they should continue to breastfeed for
up to two years and beyond. Common reasons why they do not exclusively breastfeed
include the following:
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Infant Nutrition and Feeding
a. An unfounded fear that the milk they produce is not enough and/or of poor
quality
d.The mistaken belief that their baby is thirsty and needs extra fluids
of mothers said they were advised by health workers to start breastfeeding other than
breast milk during the first 6 months. Of these mothers, 28 were advised by a doctor.
Only 29 mothers (8.2%) started formula feeding in the first 6 months. The majority of
babies (94.6%) were breastfed within 1 hour after delivery. Of them 77.7% of mothers
believed that their baby was not allowed to finish the first breastfeeding, and 50.6% of
mothers were advised by family members to stop exclusive breastfeeding early. Most
commonly the family members referred to were their mother-in-law (55.9%) or their
mother (44.7%), while 29.1% said their husband influenced them negatively. The
majority of mothers (81.1%) have good family support. Some mothers feel that their
family members have an encouraging attitude toward breastfeeding [11].
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Afar Ethiopia under 6 months is 55%.
Infants whose mothers live in urban areas have knowledge about breastfeeding, are
provided at health facilities, and are more likely to breastfeed exclusively than the
referral group. In addition, mothers have a poor understanding of exclusive breast-
feeding. Traditional beliefs, myths, and misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding
and lack of support from husbands and families were found to be barriers to proper
exclusive breastfeeding practices [12].
The family plays a role in exclusive breastfeeding by supporting the mother in
exclusive breastfeeding, supporting the mother to fulfill her nutrition by consuming
nutritious foods, ensuring that the mother gets enough rest and creating a calm and
peaceful home atmosphere.
• A lower rate of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome
• Women who are nursing save energy; Even if they eat little, they can still make
milk.
• Breastfeeding frequently helps prevent a second pregnancy and delays the return
of menstruation. This helps children save space and iron stores.
• She should breastfeed exclusively and frequently, night and day, whenever the
baby desires it.
• She should breastfeed at least eight to ten times in a 24-hour period, with no
break of more than 6 hours between feedings.
Breastfeeding is less effective for family planning when a baby is older than
6 months. Since a baby this age needs more than one food, breastfeeding can no
longer be the only option. However, if the mother breastfeeds frequently, breast-
feeding still provides some protection against a subsequent pregnancy. Every time
she gives the baby complementary foods, she should breastfeed it. A mother who
is unable to use any other method of family planning may benefit from this partial
protection.
• A child’s protection decreases after 1 year. Before breastfeeding, the child must
now consume food to ensure adequate nutrition. However, if menstruation has
not returned, frequent breastfeeding may still provide some protection.
• The woman becomes fertile once more when her periods return. Even if her baby
is still under 6 months old, breastfeeding will not protect her. She requires a new
method of family planning.
returning to menstruation. When the baby is older than six months, this is more
likely to occur.
• Complementary foods can be started around the age of six months (the exact age
varies).
Calm your newborn by holding him or her against your skin right after birth. It
will also keep baby warm and steady his or her breathing. Because baby will be awake
and eager to eat within a few hours of birth, this is a great time to start breastfeeding
first. Mother can get help with this from a midwife. Baby will be happier if mother
feeds him whenever he is hungry and keeps him close to mother. During the first two
days of life, a newborn may want to breastfeed frequently. She gets many small doses
of colostrum from her frequent feedings, which helps her body remember to produce
plenty of milk. Early breastfeeding is its name. Early breastfeeding involves placing
the baby on their chest, smelling milk or breast milk, making eye contact with the
mother, and the baby crawling up to feed [1].
Support the woman so that she does not need as many interventions during labor
and delivery.
• Persuade the woman to try painkillers that would not stop her from breastfeed-
ing. Medication that will eventually pass on to the baby transplacentally and have
a sedative effect should be avoided whenever possible.
• From the moment the baby is born until the time the baby has finished eating, let
the baby stay skin to skin with the mother.
• Allow mother and child to communicate at their own pace. Only provide assis-
tance when you believe it is absolutely necessary or when the mother requests it.
After the birth, postpone any routine procedures that can wait until the mother
and baby are ready, which should be at least one to two hours. The baby’s mea-
surement and dressing are two examples.
• Only when absolutely necessary should mother and child be separated. Typically,
the baby can be observed briefly while remaining close to its mother. The process
can be disrupted by even a brief separation prior to the first feed.
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Exclusive Breastfeeding
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110441
• During the first few days after delivery, encourage and assist the mother to have
as much skin-to-skin contact as possible with her baby. It is possible to “re-enact”
their interaction in the first few days or even weeks after birth at any time if it
was disrupted for any reason.
• When the baby is learning to breastfeed, discourage the use of pacifiers and bottles
during the initial stages of lactation. Some babies develop a preference for feeding
with an artificial teat, which can make them less enthusiastic about breastfeeding.
• When the baby shows that it is ready, let it start eating [1].
3. Conclusion
The infants begin breastfeeding within the first hour of their birth and consume
only breast milk for the first 6 months of their lives and no other foods or liquids,
including water, are provided. Infants should be breastfed whenever they want
to, throughout the day and night. Pacifiers, teats, and bottles should not be used.
Exclusive breastfeeding is a form of mother’s behavior in giving exclusive breastfeed-
ing to her baby. The success of exclusive breastfeeding is influenced by many factors,
both internal and external factors.
Author details
Imtihanatun Najahah
Poltekkes Kemenkes Mataram, Health Polytechnic of the Mataram Ministry of
Health, Mataram, Indonesia
© 2023 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0),
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original work is properly cited.
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Infant Nutrition and Feeding
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