Every year, from August 1st to 7th, the world comes together to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. This global campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, a practice vital to the health and well-being of newborns. This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” emphasizes the need to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to provide her baby with the best possible start in life. One of the most crucial aspects of this support is ensuring that newborns receive colostrum, often referred to as the “first vaccine. Although we are past World Breastfeeding Week, this is a significant topic that requires our attention. September being Nutrition Month, the nutrition for our newborns are just as important or if more important than the rest of us.
The First Hour: A Critical Window
Colostrum, the thick, yellowish milk produced by the mother in the first hours after childbirth, is a powerhouse of nutrients and antibodies. This “liquid gold” is not just food; it’s the newborn’s first line of defence against infections, providing vital antibodies and an immunity boost. However, despite its importance, only about 40% of newborns globally receive colostrum within the first hour of life—a statistic that highlights a significant gap in neonatal care.
India's Alarming Statistics
India, despite its advancements in healthcare, faces a troubling reality when it comes to breastfeeding practices. According to the National Family Health Survey 4 (NFHS-4), only 44% of women in India breastfeed their babies within the first hour of birth, despite 79% of childbirths occurring in healthcare institutions. Furthermore, a shocking 51% to 55% of mothers in India do not give their newborns colostrum, depriving them of its life-saving benefits. This gap in early breastfeeding is particularly concerning given that India also has the highest number of preterm births globally, with 3.5 million cases annually.
The Power of Colostrum: Nature’s First Vaccine
Colostrum is often called the first immunization because it contains high concentrations of antibodies that protect newborns from common infections. For example, colostrum is rich in antibodies against viruses like polio, measles, and influenza, offering protection when newborns are most vulnerable. It also contains B-12 binding proteins, which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli. The benefits of colostrum go beyond immunity—breastfed babies typically experience better mental growth and higher IQ levels later in life.
A Call to Action: Prioritizing Colostrum in India’s Healthcare System
It’s time for India to recognize colostrum as the first and most crucial right of every newborn. Whether a baby is born in a private hospital or a government institution, they deserves the protection that colostrum provides. The Indian healthcare system must prioritize early breastfeeding as a critical component of neonatal care to ensure a healthier future for our children.
In a country striving for Swastha Bharat (Healthy India), we cannot achieve this goal without addressing the foundational health of our neonates. As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, let’s commit to closing the gap in breastfeeding support and ensuring that every baby receives nature’s first vaccine—colostrum.
