76 PR I NC I PLES of Breastfeeding Newborns grow a significant amount, especially during the first year of life. The average weight of a full-term newborn in India is around 2.8 kg. A neonate's weight doubles by five months and triples by a year. The length of a full-term newborn is 50 cm at birth and doubles at five years. The head circumference, around 35 cm at birth, grows to 47 cm at the end of the first year. But for this to happen, a newborn should get the required nutrition. Most healthy and normal newborns should be on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Breast milk is the ideal food and can supply all the needs during these initial months of life. As a mother, you must endeavor to breastfeed exclusively and effectively. All support should be made, and help sought, if needed, to establish breastfeeding. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth reduces neonatal mortality by 22%. Globally, more than a million newborns can be saved yearly by early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Prelacteal feeds are any feeds (water, milk, sugar solution, etc.) given before the onset of copious
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