Exclusive breastfeeding for six months key to healthy growth: Dr Sunil Kumar Agrawal

MOHALI: Mother’s milk is the ideal food for a newborn as it is safe, clean and rich in antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses. It provides optimal nutrition and strengthens the immune system through essential proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates that help shield infants from infection and disease.

On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, Dr Sunil Kumar Agrawal, Neonatologist, Fortis Hospital Mohali, said breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and strengthens a baby’s immune system from the very start of life. He said the priority now is to build on what is already proven to work through skilled breastfeeding counselling, protected maternity support and consistent guidance from birth onward.

According to the WHO and UNICEF recommendations, children should initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, with no other foods or liquids, including water.

Research consistently shows that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to become overweight or obese, and are less prone to diabetes later in life. The benefits also extend to mothers, as breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

Dr Agrawal advised mothers to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life. No water, formula or other foods or liquids should be introduced during this period. He advised mothers to feed their babies on demand, as often as needed, during the day and night, rather than following a fixed schedule.

He also advised avoiding the use of bottles, artificial teats or pacifiers, as these can interfere with proper breastfeeding. From six months onward, mothers should introduce safe and nutritious complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed up to two years of age or beyond.