Abstract

THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF BREASTFEEDING (STANYA): A CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY REVIEW

Amit Guleria*, Vishal Sharma, Rajat Kaundal, Pragti Chauhan, Prerna and Priyanka Parmar

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Abstract

Breastfeeding is globally taken as an optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing vital nutrients and immune protection. In Ayurveda Stanya is indicated the Upadhatu of Rasa and defines the importance of Stanya (Breast milk) as primary diet for growth and development of infants, months, with extension up to 1 year or more. Even during the Vedic Period, breast milk was considered to be a noble meal for newborns. In Rigveda our Acharyas suggets breastfeeding after delivery with reciting Mantras. Under the topic of jatakarma, our Acharyas explains the importance of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, after which infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests exclusive breastfeeding up to first six months of life. Afterwards, breastfeeding should continue for at least the first year of life and beyond, for as long as mutually desired by the mother and child. The nutritional requirements changes from childhood through age. Infant mortality becomes larger in developing countries, such as India, due to absence of proper nourishment for children. As a result, it is difficult to provide appropriate nourishment to children.

Keywords: Stanya, Breast feeding, Breast milk.