Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) is the process of breastfeeding that begins immediately after birth by placing the baby on the mother's breast for at least an hour or until the first breastfeeding is completed. IMD is the first step in an attempt to provide exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is 6 months old. For 6 months, the baby receives only breast milk because it is already sufficient to meet the need for energy and other nutrients. Exclusive breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality (from diarrhea and pneumonia) and speed up recovery from illness.
Breastfeeding is continued until the child is 2 years old because breast milk still contains nutrients essential to children. Even if the amount is insufficient to meet their need, it can be met with complementary feeding (MP-ASI) after the baby passes 6 months. Breastfeeding can be done by sucking directly from the mother's breast or expressing milk. The first way is the best, as it can help increase and maintain milk production. However, if the mother has to leave the baby due to work or other urgent circumstances, expressing breast milk is the solution to meet the child's nutritional needs.
How to express breast milk
The following is a method of expressing breast milk recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia:
1. Before expressing, prepare a container for your breast milk by (a) choosing a wide cup or glass, (b) washing it with soap and water, (c) pouring boiling water over it and letting it sit for a few minutes to kill most bacteria, and (d) throw away the water when ready to express milk.
2. Place your finger and thumb on either side of the areola and press inward against the chest wall.
3. Press behind the nipple and areola between the thumb and index finger
4. Press from the side to clear all sections
How to store expressed breast milk
The storage of expressed breast milk needs attention so that it remains hygienic and safe to give to children.
1. Expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
2. Expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-8 days. Expressed breast milk can be stored in the freezer for 3 to 6 months. Place expressed breast milk in the fridge or freezer and away from the door opening to avoid temperature fluctuations.
3. If a refrigerator is unavailable, expressed breast milk can be stored for 24 hours in a thermos filled with ice.
How to give expressed breast milk
The best way to give expressed breast milk is with a cup, spoon, or pipette. Giving expressed breast milk with a bottle or pacifier is not recommended because cleanliness is not guaranteed. The following are things to consider before giving expressed breast milk to children:
1. Cold expressed breast milk is warmed by immersing the breast milk container in a bowl of warm water.
2. Frozen expressed breast milk must first be liquefied in the refrigerator.
3. Do not boil or use boiling water to warm expressed breast milk.
4. Do not refreeze expressed breast milk that has been liquefied.
5. There is no reason to throw away the milk unless the baby refuses.
Exclusive breastfeeding is a baby's right that is closely linked to the mother's commitment and family support. It is necessary to pay attention to good breastfeeding practices so that the baby's health can occur and the mother can still perform daily activities smoothly.
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Source:
Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2014). Pedoman Gizi Seimbang. Jakarta: Kementerian Kesehatan RI.