Early initiation of breastfeeding is an important step to facilitate the baby in starting the breastfeeding process. Newborn babies who are placed on the mother's chest or stomach, can naturally find their own source of breast milk (ASI) and suckle. This important process is called early breastfeeding initiation (IMD).
Breast milk has been shown to play an important role as the main food source and helps strengthen the newborn's immune system to protect it from various diseases. This breastfeeding process can actually be started and strengthened by early initiation of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, not many people understand the importance of this procedure for babies.
IMD Benefits for Mothers and Babies
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that early initiation of breastfeeding be carried out within the first hour after the baby is born. The trick is to place the baby on the mother's chest as soon as the baby is out of the birth canal.
The baby will then naturally, unaided, seek out the mother's nipple for a sip of milk. Mothers who gave birth normally and the condition of a healthy baby after birth made this possible immediately after giving birth.
Various benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, including:
- Increases baby's chances of getting colostrum
Colostrum is a mother's first drop of breast milk which is rich in nutrients and helps prevent disease. This first liquid of breast milk is usually yellow, very thick and only about a teaspoon. Not only that, early breastfeeding through IMD is also good for preventing disruption of breast milk production.
- Support the success of exclusive breastfeeding
Early initiation of breastfeeding is known to support the success of exclusive breastfeeding until at least the baby is 4 months old. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until the baby is 6 months old, but can be continued until the child is 2 years old.
- Strengthen the mother-baby relationship
Evidence shows that the baby's skin in direct contact with the mother's skin (skin-to-skin contact) immediately after birth, can create a deeper intimacy with the mother. Furthermore, the baby's skin that is in direct contact with the mother's skin is an effective way to soothe a sick baby, which can be done at any time. It also makes the mother more comfortable.
- Improve baby's health
Early initiation of breastfeeding can reduce newborn mortality. In addition, it can improve health, growth and development, and help build the baby's immune system. Then, breast milk is also very good for the health of the baby's digestive system.
Implementing Early Breastfeeding Initiation
In Indonesia, the problem and challenge that is often faced is that there are not many hospitals or midwives that accommodate the process of early initiation of breastfeeding. To implement this process, it is important for expectant mothers to choose a hospital that is pro-ASI and pro-IMD.
Here are some things that must be ensured when looking for a place to give birth if you want to implement early breastfeeding initiation:
- The hospital has a policy of placing mother and baby in the same room or rooming-in postpartum.
- The hospital should not advise mothers, especially those who have not succeeded in producing breast milk, to give formula milk to babies.
- Doctors and/or nurses who will assist with childbirth, are pro-ASI and ready to help mothers to breastfeed.
- Give time for mother and baby to initiate early breastfeeding after delivery and let the baby suckle for as long as he needs.
- Other needs such as bathing and weighing the baby can be postponed after the IMD process.
However, there are times when some procedures, such as an unplanned caesarean section or complications during delivery, make this process unworkable. However, it is important for mothers to emphasize their desire to initiate early breastfeeding, if at all possible.
In the end, early initiation of breastfeeding can be successfully implemented if the mother who is undergoing the labor process is physically and mentally ready. This process will also only work if the mother is confident and fully supported by all parties around her, especially the hospital, the doctor who assists the delivery process, and the family.
