When should breast feeding be initiated after birth ?--
After birth, breast feeding should be initiated within 1 hour.

How long should the baby be exclusively breast fed ?--
The baby should be exclusively breast fed for 4 months. After this period other foods should be introduced slowly.

What are the advantages of breast feeding ?-- Breast milk has several anti infective factors & hence helps the newborn improve its resistance against various infections. 
The proteins present in human milk are in just the best proportion for the newborn. So it is easily digestible. 
The lower protein & solute load does not lead to any undue load on the newborn' s kidney. 
The enzymes in the breast milk do help in digestion of fats . This has its positive effects on development of the brain. 
Cow milk is known to evoke allergic conditions later in life. 
Breast milk helps the mother too. It helps in the involution of the uterus & thus helps reduce the bleeding after delivery. 
Breast feeding promotes strong emotional bond between the mother & the child.

How many times in a day should the child be breast fed ?--
The breast feeding should be on a as per demand basis. The baby later gets used to a daily pattern. But it should always be on as per demand basis.

What is weaning ?--
Weaning is a process of accustoming the infant to nourishment other than mother's milk.

When should one start weaning the child ?--
Weaning should be started after 4 months. After this period mother's milk alone cannot provide all the protein & energy requirements of the infant.

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