Babies who consume bottled milk often gain weight and may appear healthy and nourished, giving the appearance of a well-fed one. Parents may wrongly believe their babies are becoming healthy due to this choice. However, it is essential to dispel the myth and misconception that bottled or powdered milk is a suitable replacement for mother's milk and should be used to feed the baby only as a last resort.

According to several studies, public health experts refute these beliefs. They argue that bottled milk can have harmful consequences on the brain development of infants and may increase the risk of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, it can hurt the overall development of children in the long term.

These experts have also debunked the misconception that breastfeeding hurts a mother's body. They emphasise that breastfeeding does not harm a mother's physique but, on the contrary, can improve it.

Regrettably, aided by the indiscriminate market intervention and the clout of the bottled milk giants, the practice of feeding babies with bottled milk persists, even in corporate hospital settings, and this poses a significant risk of future health issues for these infants.

Professor MMA Faridi, the Dean Emeritus at Era University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, raised many pertinent points during an enlightening interview with Drug Today Medical Times. He emphasised that when an infant consumes powdered or cow's milk, their risk of acquiring diabetes increases by 60%. But that is not all. Professor Faridi also informed us that if a mother chooses not to breastfeed her child, her risk of developing breast cancer increases by 50%. These figures are based on extensive study and are easily accessible online for anybody looking for more information.

Explaining why mother's milk is superior to bottled milk, Professor Faridi emphasised that mother's milk has the longest shelf life. While bottled milk can only be safely stored for two hours, the mother's milk can be safely stored for six to eight hours. This prolonged storage time gives busy parents not just additional freedom, but also a more trustworthy option. So, when it comes to nourishing infants, mother’s milk has a definite advantage, providing sustenance combined with ease.

Regarding essential topic, many new mothers are concerned about insufficient milk supply for their babies, Dr Faridi said that these worries are genuine and offered two crucial metrics for monitoring a baby's well-being.

According to him, the first step is to monitor how frequently a baby passes urine, which is a good sign of their hydration and nourishment. Second, the doctor advised parents to keep track of their baby's weight gain, since it is an important indicator of their overall health and well-being.

“Remember, it is not just about the amount of milk produced; it is about the physical signals of your baby's health that genuinely matter,” Dr Faridi said stressing that in such cases, doctors are there to help parents navigate the magnificent experience of parenting.

"Here is a helpful rule of thumb for new parents: if the infants are not wetting their diapers at least six times a day and are not joyfully gaining 25 to 30 grammes of weight daily, it might be time to consider that they might need a little more milk,” he added.

"However, the good news is that in most circumstances, we find that if babies' weight increases and nappy changes are on schedule, they allow the mothers to relax and enjoy the wonderful journey of motherhood," he added.

According to Dr. Faridi, the primary reason many moms struggle with milk production is the inappropriate posture of their newborns at the breast. It is all about getting the areola (the darker, outer area of the breast) and the nipple into the baby's mouth correctly. When the baby latches on only the nipple, the latch becomes less successful, resulting in reduced milk transfer. It is critical to remember that milk is not stored in the nipple but rather within the areola. As a result, acquiring the proper latch can make or break a smooth and nourishing nursing experience for both mother and baby.

Delving into the science of milk production and how it all comes together when a woman nurses her child, Dr Faridi said, “The miracle of milk production is managed by a particular hormone that patiently awaits the moment the mother cradles her infant at her breast. As the baby is positioned and begins to nurse, this hormone gets activated, kicking off the process of milk creation. And can you guess where all that precious milk is kept? It is hidden in the areola, the darkish area surrounding the nipple.”

“The key component is that if the baby does not latch onto and stimulate the areola during breastfeeding, they will not be able to get the milk. This can understandably make the baby fussy and irritated. To ensure that the baby gets the nutrition they require and deserve, mothers should position them such that the nipple and areola are both inside their little mouths. It is like putting together a puzzle; the trick is to make sure that the baby's chin contacts the breast,” he explained.

Poising the question that people want every mother and child to thrive together, Dr Faridi said, “In actuality, mothers may not get the placement quite right at first in roughly 90% of cases. Proper placement can be taught with the help of a qualified nurse or doctor. So, even if the mother is feeling unsure, there is assistance available to help them have a successful and enjoyable nursing journey.”

Empowering mothers: The need for comprehensive education

Pointing out that breastfeeding education is critical, DR Faridi said there is a dearth of certified counsellors to match the demand as the process is time-consuming when a lot of mothers are seeking help.

Citing an example, he added, “Consider the fact that a hospital must discharge 20 mothers and their kids every day. For adequate counselling, the counsellor should spend at least ten minutes with each mother to ensure they get the attention they deserve. This comes to a total of 200 minutes or over three hours. It is a balancing act, yet every minute counts when it comes to the safety of these new families.”

Emphasising that another important factor is that many women nowadays are career-driven and frequently have household obligations as well, DR Faridi said that mothers need time to nurse despite their hectic schedules.

“Furthermore, infant feed companies aggressively promote powdered milk, and despite legislation such as the Infant Milk Substitute Act, which limits the promotion of such goods, certain businesses continue to entice consumers. "The popularity of powdered milk is fuelled by a scarcity of educated healthcare personnel and relentless marketing activities,” he explained.

Breastfeeding: A Shield Against Hypertension and Diabetes in Babies

Professor Faridi emphasised that breastfed babies had a decreased chance of developing hypertension and diabetes compared to those given bottled or powdered milk. He also brought to light the troubling issue that many newborns are not breastfed within the critical first hour after birth.

He explained that if a baby is not breastfed or given animal or processed milk, he or she will not obtain the required nourishment and immunity, which can lead to diarrhoea, infections, and ear difficulties. As a result, such babies may lose weight, and malnourishment may occur.

Highlighting some facts about powdered milk, Dr Faridi said, “It is deficient in important elements such as iron and healthy fats. When newborns are given powdered milk, they run the danger of becoming anaemic. Not only that, but it can also result in concerns such as overweight babies, which can contribute to hypertension and diabetes later in their lives.”

"Moreover, it has been observed that breastfed babies' brain growth is 10 times faster than powdered milk newborns. So it is not just a matter of eating; it is also a matter of nurturing those developing minds,” he said.

Breastfeeding: Embracing tradition in a modern world

“In our pursuit of modernity, we have sometimes accepted less-than-ideal practices,” Dr Faridi rued.

Citing an example, he said, “One unpleasant tendency we have noticed is a growing dependency on bottled milk, which has its roots in Western culture. In this setting, the breast is frequently regarded as an attractive emblem rather than a critical source of nutrients.”

“But allow me to share an intriguing viewpoint with you: Breastfeeding not only feeds the infant but can also improve the physique of the mother,” he explained.

“Approximately seven kilogrammes of fat are accumulated in the shoulders and buttocks during pregnancy, which is progressively used up and turned into nourishing milk when a woman breastfeeds,” Dr Faridi concluded.