Abstract

A REVIEW STUDY ON CONCEPT OF INFANT FEEDING – AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Akash Narendra Sangwai* and Dr. Anjali D. Kamat

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Abstract

Adequate nutrition for the newborn child is fundamental for a healthy life. The growth and development of an individual is directly proportional to the type of nutrition he / she receives. The rate of growth and development is faster in an infant until 6 months of age compared to any other period in life. Therefore, the source of nutrition should be adequate both quantitatively and qualitatively while taking care of digestion and absorption capability of the child. Ayurveda gives more importance on nutrition at all stage of life, in order to preserve health of an individual. Breast milk is most important food for almost all infants in the first year of life. The ideal source of nutrition for a newborn is breast milk. It is widely recognized that breastfeeding is the best nutrition for human infants. Breast milk is the optimal food for almost all infants in the first year of life. The breast milk provides numerous health benefits to both mother and baby. Breastfeeding should begin soon after birth. In Sushruta Samhita clearly indicated about solid foods at the age of six months, when teething starts. Early weaning and late weaning both are dangerous in infantsAccording to modern sciences breast milk contains many antibodies that improve immunity in infants and provide power to fight off viruses and bacteria.

Keywords: Stanya, Stanyapana, Dhatri, Breastfeeding, Breast milk, Colostrum, Lactation, Weaning.