Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to promote a newborn’s health and development. As such, parents – especially mothers – are encouraged to consider breastfeeding as the first choice for their infant’s nutrition and overall wellbeing.
Indeed, research shows that mothers are recommended to exclusively breastfeed their newborn for the first six months. This means the baby receives only breast milk, with no additional food or drink, with breastfeeding encouraged up until the baby turns two.
Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that supports baby’s immune system, growth and digestive function. Colostrum, the first form of milk produced during pregnancy and immediately after birth, is highly beneficial for babies owing to its high content of protein, minerals, vitamins and antibodies, which aid in building the baby’s immune system.
In addition, skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding helps to stabilise the baby’s body temperature and calm the baby down, giving them a sense of security.
For mums, the benefits of breastfeeding begin right after birth. Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is produced as the baby suckles on the mother’s breast. Breastfeeding can also lower the mother’s lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
After delivery, adequate water intake is essential for Mum to avoid dehydration, which may reduce breastmilk production. Adequate hydration also wards off thrombosis (blood-clotting issues) and supports safe breastfeeding.
New mums should further adhere to a balanced and nutritious diet, including essential nutrients such as calcium and iron, which deplete during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Adequate rest and management of physical, emotional and mental stress also play an important role in their breastfeeding journey.
Challenges
In some cases, breastfeeding can be difficult for mothers. Here are some of the struggles they might face:
Psychological and emotional
- A traumatic birth experience.
- Feeling like they are not being able to breastfeed the baby adequately. New mothers should be made aware that this may not be entirely true: a small volume of breast milk may be all that is needed for one feed due to the limited capacity of the baby’s stomach. It’s more important to breastfeed on demand.
- Lack of support from mum’s partner or family.
- Worries about societal stigma over breastfeeding.
Physical
- Discomfort from post-childbirth recovery.
- Cracked nipples, wounds around the areola, blocked glands, and mastitis are common among breastfeeding women, especially when their technique is incorrect.
“Mothers who experience pain or discomfort in the breast, nipple, neck or back during breastfeeding can enhance their comfort by ensuring the baby is positioned correctly,” said Dr Vicky Ho, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at a medical centre in Sunway Velocity, Selangor.
“Positions like the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position can help,” she added.
According to Ho, it is essential for the baby’s mouth to be properly positioned on the areola with the lower lip turned outward on the breast. Align the baby’s head with the mum’s body to facilitate proper suckling and swallowing.
To alleviate neck and back pain, the mother should maintain an upright sitting position with a small pillow supporting their back or neck.
As for public perceptions of breastfeeding, here’s some good news: the presence of breastfeeding-friendly attire, nursing covers, and designated lactation areas in public spaces demonstrates the expanding recognition of the significance of breastfeeding and its advantages for both mothers and infants.
That said, experts suggest that more progress could still be made in this regard.