Feeding The Beast Every woman has nature’s gift to nourish and nurture her baby. It is a vital and intimate practice with unique benefits for both mother and baby. From transferring essential nutrients and immunity-boosting antibodies to fostering emotional bonding, breastfeeding lays the foundation for a healthy start in life. Although rewarding, the breastfeeding journey can be challenging. These challenges can be addressed with proper guidance, support, and awareness.
The importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby – Breastfeeding ensures the transfer of essential nutrition and protection to the newborn. Breast milk also helps in the transfer of antibodies and immunoglobulins, especially in the first few weeks when the baby’s immune system is still developing. Additionally, breastfeeding speeds up the mother’s postpartum recovery, aids in uterine contractions and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: Lifetime effects – The short-term benefits of breastfeeding include meeting the baby’s calorie needs, providing protection from infections, and creating a sense of comfort and security in the baby. In the long term, breastfed babies have stronger immune systems and are less likely to develop diseases such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
The effect of breastfeeding on maternal health – For mothers, breastfeeding offers significant health benefits. It helps in faster recovery to pre-pregnancy condition by aiding weight loss, uterine contractions and reducing postpartum bleeding. Longer breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It also helps in warding off postpartum depression by promoting a sense of satisfaction and bonding with the baby.
When breastfeeding may not be recommended – While breastfeeding is highly beneficial, certain situations may require alternative feeding options. These include situations where the mother is HIV positive, has untreated tuberculosis, is taking chemotherapy, or has been exposed to radioactive substances. Additionally, infants with the rare genetic disorder galactosemia, which prevents the proper metabolism of lactose, should not be breastfed.
Support for new mothers – New mothers often need support to establish a successful breastfeeding routine. Lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and experienced family members can provide valuable guidance. It is important for new mothers to understand that there may be challenges such as poor latching or inadequate milk supply, but with the right support – whether from in-person guidance or online support groups – these challenges can be overcome.
Role of diet in breastfeeding – The mother’s diet plays a vital role in the quality and quantity of breast milk. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and galactagogues (such as oats, sabudana and homemade dry-fruit laddoos) is recommended. Drinking enough water and managing stress are equally important, as these can affect milk production.
Nutritional Guidance for Breastfeeding Mothers – Breastfeeding mothers should focus on a balanced diet, including antioxidant-rich multicolored fruits and vegetables. It is important to include galactagogues and stay hydrated. In cases of insufficient milk production, supplements or medications may be recommended to increase the supply.
Mental health and breastfeeding – Breastfeeding can have a profound impact on a mother’s mental health. Although it often promotes bonding and reduces stress, challenges in breastfeeding can lead to frustration and even postpartum depression. It is important for mothers to get adequate support to cope with these challenges, ensuring they can relax and maintain their mental wellbeing.
Dealing with stress and depression while breastfeeding – If a mother feels very stressed or depressed during breastfeeding, it is important to support her, whether through sharing baby care responsibilities or providing practical advice about feeding situations. Ensuring that the mother has the opportunity to rest and recover is important to prevent or reduce these feelings.
The Future of Breastfeeding Advocacy – Looking to the future, the goal of breastfeeding advocacy should be to normalise and support breastfeeding in both private and public spaces. The future may see the integration of AI-powered lactation consultants, increased community support networks, and better workplace facilities for breastfeeding mothers. Government policies should also support extended paid maternity leave, to ensure that mothers have the time they need to exclusively breastfeed in the crucial first six months.
(Author: Dr. Namita Kapoor Sehgal, Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road)
The importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby – Breastfeeding ensures the transfer of essential nutrition and protection to the newborn. Breast milk also helps in the transfer of antibodies and immunoglobulins, especially in the first few weeks when the baby’s immune system is still developing. Additionally, breastfeeding speeds up the mother’s postpartum recovery, aids in uterine contractions and reduces postpartum bleeding.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: Lifetime effects – The short-term benefits of breastfeeding include meeting the baby’s calorie needs, providing protection from infections, and creating a sense of comfort and security in the baby. In the long term, breastfed babies have stronger immune systems and are less likely to develop diseases such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
The effect of breastfeeding on maternal health – For mothers, breastfeeding offers significant health benefits. It helps in faster recovery to pre-pregnancy condition by aiding weight loss, uterine contractions and reducing postpartum bleeding. Longer breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It also helps in warding off postpartum depression by promoting a sense of satisfaction and bonding with the baby.
When breastfeeding may not be recommended – While breastfeeding is highly beneficial, certain situations may require alternative feeding options. These include situations where the mother is HIV positive, has untreated tuberculosis, is taking chemotherapy, or has been exposed to radioactive substances. Additionally, infants with the rare genetic disorder galactosemia, which prevents the proper metabolism of lactose, should not be breastfed.
Support for new mothers – New mothers often need support to establish a successful breastfeeding routine. Lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and experienced family members can provide valuable guidance. It is important for new mothers to understand that there may be challenges such as poor latching or inadequate milk supply, but with the right support – whether from in-person guidance or online support groups – these challenges can be overcome.
Role of diet in breastfeeding – The mother’s diet plays a vital role in the quality and quantity of breast milk. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and galactagogues (such as oats, sabudana and homemade dry-fruit laddoos) is recommended. Drinking enough water and managing stress are equally important, as these can affect milk production.
Nutritional Guidance for Breastfeeding Mothers – Breastfeeding mothers should focus on a balanced diet, including antioxidant-rich multicolored fruits and vegetables. It is important to include galactagogues and stay hydrated. In cases of insufficient milk production, supplements or medications may be recommended to increase the supply.
Mental health and breastfeeding – Breastfeeding can have a profound impact on a mother’s mental health. Although it often promotes bonding and reduces stress, challenges in breastfeeding can lead to frustration and even postpartum depression. It is important for mothers to get adequate support to cope with these challenges, ensuring they can relax and maintain their mental wellbeing.
Dealing with stress and depression while breastfeeding – If a mother feels very stressed or depressed during breastfeeding, it is important to support her, whether through sharing baby care responsibilities or providing practical advice about feeding situations. Ensuring that the mother has the opportunity to rest and recover is important to prevent or reduce these feelings.
The Future of Breastfeeding Advocacy – Looking to the future, the goal of breastfeeding advocacy should be to normalise and support breastfeeding in both private and public spaces. The future may see the integration of AI-powered lactation consultants, increased community support networks, and better workplace facilities for breastfeeding mothers. Government policies should also support extended paid maternity leave, to ensure that mothers have the time they need to exclusively breastfeed in the crucial first six months.
(Author: Dr. Namita Kapoor Sehgal, Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road)
