Breast Milk & Breast Feeding
Initiation of Breast Feeding
- As soon as possible.
- WHO recommends within 1 hour of childbirth
- irrespective of vaginal delivery or cesarean section
Exclusive Breast Feeding
- Baby should be fed only breast milk and nothing else.
- Not even sips of water unless medically indicated.
- Recommended for first 6 months of life exclusively.
Complementary feeding
- Initiated at 6 months.
- It is defined as semi-solid, energy-dense food.
- Given in addition to breast milk.
Frequency & Consistency
Age | Quantity | Frequency | Consistency | Example |
6–8 months | ~½ katori (75–100 mL) | 3-4 times/day + breastfeeding | Thick puree / mashed | Mashed rice, dal, banana |
9–11 months | ½–¾ katori | 3–4 times/day + 1 snack | Soft, mashed, finger foods | Khichdi, upma, roti soaked in milk |
12–24 months | ¾–1 katori per meal | 3–4 times/day + 2 snacks | Family foods | Chapati with dal, rice with vegetable |
Nutrient-Rich Additions
- Add ghee, oil, jaggery, pulses, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits.
- Ensure iron- and vitamin A–rich foods (green leafy vegetables, meat, liver, fortified foods).
Avoid
- Thin watery foods (low calorie).
- Sugar water, tea, coffee, biscuits, junk food.
- Bottle feeding (risk of infection, nipple confusion).
Characteristics of food items used for complementary feeding
- Mnemonic: AFASS
- Acceptable
- Feasible
- Affordable
- Sustainable
- Safe
Storage of Expressed Breast Milk (EBM)
Temperature | Time |
At room temperature (25°C) | 6 hrs |
In a refrigerator (2-8°C) | 24 hrs |
In a deep freezer (-20°C) | 3 months. |
Factors affecting Breast Milk Output
- Q. When is the breast milk output maximum?
- At 5-6 months of lactation.
- Approx. 730 ml/day.
Milk Output Increased by
- Thought of baby
- Sight of baby
- Sound of baby
- Nighttime feeds
- Frequent feeding/Emptying of breasts
Milk Output Decreased by
- Maternal Stress,
- Anxiety
- Use of Top feeds/formula feeds
- Feeding bottle/pacifiers
- Maternal pain
Signs of Good Positioning while Breast Feeding
- Body of the baby should be well supported.
- Occiput, shoulders and buttocks of the baby should be in a straight line.
- The entire body of the baby should be turned towards the mother.
- The abdomen of the baby should touch the abdomen of the mother.
Signs of Good Attachment while Breastfeeding
- The mouth of the baby should be wide open.
- The entire areola should be in the baby's mouth
- except for a small upper part that may be visible.
- The lower lip of the baby should be everted/ turned out.
- The chin of the baby should touch the mother's breast.
Contraindications to Breast Feeding
Related to baby
- Galactosemia
- Congenital lactose intolerance
Related to mother
Absolute contraindications
- Mother on chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Relative contraindications
- Maternal HIV
- Maternal varicella involving the areola and nipple area
- Maternal untreated tuberculosis
- At least 3 weeks for the disease to become paucibacillary.
- Breast abscess
Composition of breast milk Vs Cow milk
Component | Breast Milk | Cow Milk |
Lactose | • 2x buffalo milk • 7 g/dl Advantages • More energy as carbohydrate • Helps in formation of galactose & Lactobacillus in intestine | - 4.5 g/dl |
Proteins | • 25% of buffalo milk. • 1 g/dl Advantages • Best quality protein • Higher in Soluble proteins • Lesser solute load on kidneys • Richer in whey proteins like Lactoglobulin (easily digestible) • Richer in Cysteine, Methionine (needed for CNS development) | - 3.5 g/dl |
Lipids | • 50% of buffalo milk. • Richer in PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) PUFA in Human Milk Major types: • Linoleic acid → precursor of arachidonic acid. • α Linolenic acid → precursor of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) / Cervonic acid ↳ Important for CNS development (Promotes myelination) | ㅤ |
Energy | • 50% of buffalo milk. | ㅤ |
Minerals | • Ca : Phosphate = 2:1 → favours calcium absorption • Iron is more easily absorbable than in cow's milk | Richer in phosphate → hinders calcium absorption → ↑ risk of hypocalcemia |
Vitamins | Contains all vitamins except: • Vitamin D, K, B12 • (especially in strictly vegan mothers) | ㅤ |
- Casein : Albumin ratio = 1:1
- Vitamin C:
- maximum of all milk sources (↑ Iron absorption).
Breast Milk deficient
- Vitamin D (400 IU/day)
- Recommended to all babies till 1 year
- Vitamin K –
- Given to all babies
- 1 mg IM at birth
- Prevents hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
- Iron ???
- Adequate (↑ Bioavailability).
Babies predominantly cow milk fed:

- ↑ Risk of hypocalcemia, tetany, seizures
- ↑ Risk of scurvy
- Due to Vitamin C deficiency in cow's milk
- Vitamin C is heat labile (gets destroyed when cow's milk is boiled)
Breast milk contains Anti-infective substances
- Mnemonic - Teach for PLAB
- Transforming growth factor β
- Phagocytic macrophages
- Lactoferrin
- Lysozyme
- Antibodies especially IgA
- Bifidus factor
- Bile stimulated lipase
Breast Milk Protects Against Diseases Like
- Neonatal period:
- NEC, neonatal sepsis.
- Later in life:
- Obesity,
- HTN,
- diabetes,
- allergies,
- Bronchial asthma,
- Lymphoma.
- Breast Milk fed babies have higher IQ.
- Breast milk helps in maternal-child bonding.
- Breast milk is safe, free from contamination,
- easily available even in resource limited settings.
Colostrum
- Produced during the first 72 hours after the birth of the baby.
- Thick, yellowish coloured milk.
- Produced in small quantity.
- Rich in immunoglobulins IgA, phagocytic macrophages, low in lactose.
- Known as 1st immunization of the baby.
- Must be fed to all babies.
- Any form of prelacteal feeding is absolutely contraindicated.
Preterm Breast milk is richer in
- Mnemonic - S I P For Intelligent CNS
- Sodium
- Iron
- IgA
- Proteins
- Calories
- Fats also.
Depending on Each Feeding Session
- Complete emptying of each breast
- important because composition of foremilk and hind milk is different.
Fore Milk
- At the beginning of a feed.
- More thin & watery.
- Satisfies mainly the thirst of the baby.
Hind Milk
- At the end of a feed.
- More thicker and calorie dense.
- Richer in fat.
- Satisfies the hunger of the baby.
Q. A primigravida mother feels that her milk output is inadequate for her baby and the baby is remaining hungry. So she is thinking of starting top feed for her 2 month old baby. How will you know whether breast feeds are adequate for a baby?
- Ans. The feeds are adequate when:
- Baby sleeps for 1-2 hours after a feed.
- Baby should pass urine at least 6-8 times/day.
- Baby should be gaining weight.
Under-Five Clinics:
- Elements:
- Promotive care
- Core
- Family planning
- Curative care
- Preventive care
- Health Education

Kangaroo mother care
- Elements (SAANS):
- Skin-to-skin (Hypothermia prevention)
- Airway disease prevention
- Ambulatory support
- Nutritional support (Exclusive breastfeeding)
- Support (Emotional)
Indication
- All stable low birth weight neonates
Components
- Kangaroo position:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Kangaroo nutrition:
- Exclusive breastfeeding,
- no supplementation
- Early discharge from hospital
Advantages
- Lesser chances of:
- Sepsis,
- Hypothermia
- Neonatal mortality
- Higher weight gain (better gain of anthropometric parameters)
- Earlier discharge from hospital
- Higher breastfeeding rates
STOP KMC
- baby attains 2.5 Kg or 37 weeks.
GOBI FFF
- Given by WHO/UNICEF.
- Aim: Promote child survival
- Components:
- Growth monitoring
- Oral rehydration solution
- Breastfeeding
- Immunization
- Female fertility
- Female literacy
- Food (Female nutrition)
BFHI, MAA, CLMC:
- Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI):
- UNICEF initiative to promote child survival
- Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA):
- Gov of India, MoHFW initiative to promote breastfeeding
- Normal delivery: Within 1 hour
- C-section: Within 4 hours
- Comprehensive Lactational Management Centers (CLMC):
- Promote breast milk donation
- CHCs & District hospitals:
- Breast pumps & breastmilk storage facilities (+)
Important Dates & Weeks
Date/Period | Event |
April 14th | Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre Day |
Last week of April | World Immunization Week |
May 28th - June 8th | Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight |
August 1st - 7th | World Breastfeeding Week |
September 1st - 7th | National Nutrition Week |
November 15th - 21st | Newborn Week |
Growth Charts



- Note:
- Trend of growth is most important;
- Location plot is not
- Used at Anganwadis (ICDS) for Weight for Age (general malnutrition)
- Curves:
- Curve 1: 97.5 percentile / + 2 SD
- Curve 2: -2 SD
- Curve 3: -3 SD
- Zones:
- Between +2 SD to -2 SD: Normal
- Between -2 SD to -3 SD: Mild-moderate malnutrition
- Below 3rd curve: Severe malnutrition
A baby presents for a routine examination in the outpatient department. A growth chart is utilized to record the baby's weight, which falls within the 85th - 95th percentile range. What is the present condition of the child?
A. Obesity
B. SAM
C. Overweight
D. Interpretation cannot be made without BMI
ANS
- Correct Answer: C. Overweight
Explanation:
Growth chart interpretation for weight-for-age percentiles:
- <3rd percentile → Underweight
- 3rd–85th percentile → Normal
- 85th–95th percentile → Overweight
- >95th percentile → Obesity
In this case:
- Weight is between 85th–95th percentile
- This falls under the Overweight category
BMI is not required for this interpretation since weight percentile alone can categorize overweight in infants and young children.
Malnutrition Indicators
- The best indicator of Acute Malnutrition:
- Decrease in weight for height (Wasting).
- Mnemonic: WHAt
- The best indicator of Chronic Malnutrition:
- Decrease in Height for age (Stunting).
- Mnemonic: HA
Weight for age:
- Marker: General/combined malnutrition (Acute on chronic)
- Most sensitive
- Low: <80% of expected
- Mnemonic: WHA → 70 - 80 (exam what nn prnj irunna 70-80)
- Wasting
- Between
- -2 to -3 Z score or
- 70-79% of expected
- Severe Wasting.
- < -3 Z score or
- <70% of expected
Height for age:
- Marker: Chronic malnutrition
- Severely low: Stunting
- Mnemonic: HAC → 85 - 90 (exam hack cheytha higher mark → 85 to 90)
- Stunting.
- Between
- -2 to -3 Z score or
- 85-89% of expected
- Severe Stunting.
- < -3 Z score or
- < 85% of expected
- If edema is present, add 'edematous' to the category.
Weight for height:
- Marker: Acute malnutrition
- Severely low: Wasting
- But Most sensitive age independent marker
- MAC
- Mnemonic:
- WHA wasted 80 ,
- HAC stunted 90
Classifications
- Waterlow’s:
- Differentiates acute/chronic malnutrition

- Welcome Trust Classification:
- For patients with edema (Kwashiorkor)
- Because weight is not reliable


Instruments for Measurement
Shakir’s tape:

- Measures MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference)
- MUAC: Most sensitive,
- Age-independent malnutrition marker
- Note: Most sensitive marker for general malnutrition → Weight for age
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Color zones:
Color Zone | MUAC Measurement | Interpretation |
Red Zone | < 11.5 cm | Severe malnutrition |
Yellow Zone | 11.5–12.5 cm | Mild to moderate malnutrition |
Green Zone | ≥ 12.5 cm | Normal |
Salter’s weighing scale:

- Used in Anganwadis for child weight
- Measurement frequency:
- Up to 3 years: Monthly
- > 3 years: Once in 3 months
- Sensitivity: 100g
- Shows 7400gm, 7500gm
- Not 7446gm


Herpenden Callipers
- At level of triceps

Kwashiorkor v/s Marasmus
Core Difference:
- Both involve protein deficiency
- differ in where the body loses protein.
- Kwashiorkor:
- Loss of visceral protein (albumin, neurotransmitters, enzymes).
- Marasmus:
- Loss of somatic protein (muscle protein).
Key Differences Table:
Feature | Kwashiorkor | Marasmus |
Wasting | Visceral protein wasting | Somatic/muscle protein wasting + calories |
S. Albumin | < 3 mg/dl | > 3 mg/dl |
Prognosis | Poor | Better |
Subcutaneous fat | Preserved | Not preserved |
Triceps skin fold: | > 50th centile | < 5th centile |
Appetite | No appetite (child is lethargic) | Present (child is irritable, wants food) |
C/F | Apathy Lethargic Edema | Alert Irritable |
Age of onset | Typically >1 year | Typically <1 year |
Liver | Fatty liver (due to lack of lipoprotein transport) | - |
Appearance | Moon face (facial edema), Fat sugar baby appearance | Simian face (loss of buccal fat/muscle), Baggy pant appearance (buttocks) |
Additional features | Skin and hair changes (flaky paint dermatosis, flag sign) | flag sign |
- Severely malnourished without edema - Marasmus.
- In kwashiorkor
- Pitting edema +++
- Flaky paint dermatosis.
- Seen in both kwashiorkor and marasmus
- Flag sign:
- Alternate band of pigmented and hypopigmented hairs.
- Muscle wasting
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
Definition: In a child between 6 months to 5 yrs age,
- the presence of any 1 or more of the following:
- Weight for height
- <-3 Z score or
- <70% of expected or
- Midarm circumference
- <11.5 cm or
- Symmetric bipedal pitting oedema of nutritional origin
M/c cause of malnutrition
- Infectious diseases > Socioeconomic factors





Complications of Severe Acute malnutrition
- Mnemonic: SHIELDED
- Sugar deficiency (hypoglycemia):
- Blood Glucose <45mg/dl.
- Hypothermia:
- Rectal temperature <35.5°C.
- Infections.
- ELectrolyte imbalance
- Hypokalemia
- Hypophosphatemia.
- DEhydration.
- Most Reliable Sign: Urine O/p
- Unlike in diarrhea → we use skin pinch
- Deficiency of Micronutrients.
Triad of SAM
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hypothermia
- Infection
Nutritional Rehabilitation (NRC)
Phases at NRC:
Phase | Duration | Dietary Intervention |
Stabilization Phase | 1–2 days | ㅤ |
Transition Phase | 2–3 days | ㅤ |
Rehabilitation Phase | • No visible significant edema. • Child can complete > 90% of the expected feed. | Home-based balanced diet |
Two Phases
- Stabilization Phase:
- First 7 days.
- Goal → prevent death, manage complications.
- Diet
- Starter diet (F-75)
- 75 → 100 kcal/kg/day
- 0.9 g protein/kg/day
- Micronutrients → except Iron in 1st week
- Rehabilitative Phase:
- Beyond 7 days.
- Goal → build up the child
- Diet
- Catch-up diet (F-100) (100 kcal / 100 ml)
- 100 → 200 kcal/kg/day
- 2.9 g protein/kg/day
10 Steps of Management
- Hypoglycaemia
- First 3 days.
- Blood sugar < 54 mg/dL.
- 10% dextrose orally or by NG tube.
- If the child is very sick, it can be given through IV route.
- Hypothermia
- First 3 days.
- Temperature < 35.5°C (rectal).
- Remove wet clothing.
- Cover the child properly.
- Use warmer.
- Dehydration
- First 3 days.
- Oral: Resomal (rehydration solution for malnourished child).
- It has lesser Sodium and more Potassium than the WHO ORS.
- Infection
- Over 7 days.
- IV antibiotics: Ampicillin + Gentamicin.
- Gram-negative organisms common.
- Electrolyte Imbalances
- Supplement magnesium and potassium.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies
- Supplement all micronutrients.
- Iron: Avoid in first week (↑ reactive oxygen species, ↑ mortality).
- Give iron only after first week.
- Cautious Refeeding
- First week:
- F75 (75 kcal/100 ml).
- 0.75 g protein / 100 ml
- Prevents refeeding syndrome.
- High-calorie intake too soon → excess insulin → K⁺ & PO₄³⁻ shift into cells.
- Hypophosphataemia = hallmark.
- Catch-up Growth
- After first week:
- F100 (100 kcal/100 ml).
- 3 g protein / 100 ml
- At discharge:
- Give RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food)
- Loving & Caring Environment
- Follow-up
RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food)
- Calorie dense
- Paste-like, ready to use
- 543 kcal / 100 g
- Calories and proteins are increased gradually
→ to prevent Refeeding/Nutritional Recovery Syndrome
Refeeding Syndrome
- Caused by sudden increase in calorie intake
- Sequence:
- ↑ Blood glucose → ↑ Insulin
- ↑ Tissue regeneration → ↑ Phosphate consumption
- → ↓ Serum phosphate
- ↑ Use of Thiamine
- ↑ Uptake of Potassium and Magnesium into cells
Consequences
- Hypophosphatemia
- Thiamine deficiency
- Potassium deficiency
- Magnesium deficiency
- Mnemonic: paappam thinn (PPM thiamine)
