Trained nurses need to advise on breastfeeding

Hyderabad: The manner and importance of breast feeding must be explained to a new mother by nurses who are trained for this purpose. Instead, various relatives who come visiting will give their advice. If the milk is not sufficient, innumerable foods are suggested to induce milk, totally confusing the young mother.

"The first thing for a young mother is to block out all negative comments such as if your breasts are not overflowing you do not have enough milk, or if baby is feeding more frequently means breast milk is not sufficient so give formula milk. Breast feeding is a technique and the hospital staff are trained to impart it. The production of milk is  based on the diet of the mother. Despite that, if there is a problem, the doctors will be able to guide. Do not go by what everyone suggests or says," advises Dr Preeti Sharma, consultant paediatrician.