Exclusive breastfeeding can be described as the choice of mothers to feed babies only breast milk. This may be directly from the breast or expressed. There are instances when drops or syrups are added with vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicine. Breastmilk is the leading food for infants. Breastmilk is ideal, safe, clean, and supplies antibodies that will help prevent or protect infants against many common childhood diseases. Breastmilk provides all the vitality and nutrients that the baby needs for the earliest periods of life. It continues to contribute up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year and up to one-third during the next year of growth.
Here are a few challenges of breastfeeding
- Society view.
- Hospital protocol.
- Breast and Nipple Issues.
- Sore nipples – Many moms say that their nipples feel tender when they first start breastfeeding, there are ways to manage sore nipples.
- Low milk supply.
- Cluster feeding and growth spurts.
- Engorgement.
- Plugged duct.
- Fungal infection.
- Infant Nursing Strike.
- Breast and nipple size and shape.
Breastfed children perform better on aptitude examinations, are less prone to be overweight, and are less likely to have diabetes later as an adult. Women who breastfeed infants also have a diminished risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
