Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
This week marks World Breastfeeding Week. For new mothers, Breastfeeding can be a tough and exhausting journey, filled with sleepless nights, hormonal shifts, and the challenge of perfecting latch and positioning. Many women face struggles and may give up before fully giving it a chance. That’s why raising awareness during this week is crucial. It highlights the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby and sheds light on the available resources and support. While breastfeeding may not be the right choice for everyone, every woman deserves the chance to try and feel supported. Reach out to a new mom this week, check in on her, and offer your support. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and help new mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Breastfeeding provides so many benefits for both mom and baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that strengthen your baby’s immune system and help fight illness. Breastfed babies tend to have lower risks of asthma, obesity, and SIDS. They also tend to have higher IQs.
For mothers, breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its normal size and reduces postpartum bleeding. It may also lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer later on. Breastfeeding can help you lose pregnancy weight as it burns extra calories. It saves time and money too, since there’s no bottle feeding or formula needed.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby, so give yourself grace during those first few weeks. Find a lactation consultant for guidance and support. They can help ensure the baby is latching on properly and removing milk efficiently at each feeding. The key is finding the right position and latch for you and your baby.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of protein and nutrients. Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol and drugs. Get as much rest as possible, and accept help from loved ones.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but it’s a beautiful way to bond with your baby. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or a lactation consultant for help. With the right support, you can give your baby the best start in life through the miracle of breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week was established in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to promote breastfeeding and improve infant health around the globe. Breastfeeding week is celebrated on first week of August. This week aims to raise awareness of the important role breastfeeding plays in a child’s health and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond. However, breastfeeding rates remain lower than recommended levels in many parts of the world. From 2020 to 2023, India saw fluctuating early breastfeeding rates. Despite global exclusive breastfeeding improvements, India's specific rates faced challenges. Continued promotion and support are essential for better infant and maternal health.
The decline in early breastfeeding rates interferes with a few factors such as,
Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for new mothers. However, with good guidance and support, you can overcome it easily.
Having trouble getting your baby to latch on properly is common initially. Try different positions, like the cross-cradle or football hold, to find what's most comfortable for you. A breast pump for a few minutes before feeding can also help stimulate your milk flow and make your nipple easier for the baby to latch onto.
If you're concerned your milk supply seems low, try feeding your baby more often to stimulate more milk production. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids; adding lactation cookies or teas may help. Fenugreek and blessed thistle are popular herbs for boosting supply. You can also try power pumping, which means pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this a few times. This frequent pumping will stimulate your breasts to produce more milk.
When your milk first comes in, your breasts may become overly full and uncomfortable. Apply warm compresses, massage your breasts gently, and express a little milk before feeding to relieve pressure. Wearing a comfortable nursing bra with good support will also help. The engorgement should only last a few days until your milk supply regulates.
If you notice a painful, swollen area in your breast, it could be a blocked milk duct or mastitis. Apply heat, massage the area, and nurse frequently to unclog the duct. See your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of infection like fever or flu-like aches. Most cases, mastitis will clear up within a few days with medication and rest.
Breastfeeding offers major advantages for both the baby and the mother. Here are some of the major benefits which include,
Every child deserves a good start in life. The moment for change has arrived. Breastfeeding is a natural and necessary method of nourishing infants, and it has many health benefits for both babies and moms. Breastfeeding can be challenging, and each mother's experience is different. Let us create a breastfeeding-friendly environment so that mothers can feel secure and empowered to nurse their children at home, in public, or at work. Without hesitation, a woman's right to breastfeed in public places must be respected and protected. Every little bit helps, so contribute today to World Breastfeeding Week.
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Written By
Infinity Health Care
