Breastfeeding is deeply valued in Roma culture, yet I meet young mothers who have been told by well-meaning relatives to give water, tea, or formula in the first days because 'the milk has not come yet.' The colostrum — that thick, yellowish first milk — is not a sign that something is wrong. It is liquid gold, packed with antibodies that protect your newborn from the very infections that are most dangerous in the first weeks of life.
Within 1 hour of birth, put your baby skin-to-skin on your chest and let them find the breast. This first feed of colostrum is the most important 'vaccine' your baby will receive — it coats their gut with protection against infection. Do not let anyone take your baby away before this happens unless there is a medical emergency
Feed on demand — whenever the baby shows hunger signs (turning head, sucking hands, fussing). In the first weeks, this may be 10–14 times in 24 hours. This is normal and establishes your supply. A clock cannot tell you when your baby is hungry — your baby tells you
No water, no tea, no formula for 6 months unless a doctor specifically prescribes it for a medical reason. Your breast milk changes composition throughout the day to meet your baby's exact needs — no factory can replicate this. I have seen well-meaning grandmothers give sugar water that caused thrush and diarrhea
If breastfeeding hurts, the latch is wrong — not your body. Ask a midwife or health worker to watch a feed and help you adjust the position. Pain is a signal to get help, not a sign to give up. I have helped hundreds of mothers fix latching issues that were resolved in one session
In Roma communities where breastfeeding support programs exist, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months reduces infant hospitalizations by over 60%. Breast milk literally adapts to fight the specific infections circulating in your environment — it is personalized medicine that your body produces for free.
If you are a new mother or expecting: tell your family now that you plan to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months and that you need their support, not advice to add other foods. If breastfeeding is painful, contact your midwife or health mediator before you stop — the solution is usually simple.