World Breastfeeding Week – 1 – 7 August
Why is breastfeeding so
important?
Justus von Liebig, a chemist introduced formula in 1865. Back
then, the marketing tactics persuaded women that formula-feeding was superior
to breast milk. Today, bottle feeding is just easier. Now that we understand
the benefits of breastfeeding, both for mom and baby, especially the
development of the immune system, the tide is turning, and more women are opting
to breastfeed, especially during the first six months.
Sharing this responsibility.
Successful breastfeeding begins before the birth when future
parents learn as much as they can about breastfeeding. Hospitals have also
adopted a breastfeeding policy, using ‘The Ten Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding’ guidelines, and closing the milk kitchen where formula feeds
were mixed. Nurses and midwives working
in these units attend regular breastfeeding updates so that they can advise new
moms on how to prevent breastfeeding problems. Lactation Consultants specialise in
breastfeeding difficulties and help moms with home visits or online
consultations. They’re also registered with medical aid providers.
Immediately after the birth, the baby is put skin-to-skin on
the mother’s chest for what is called the ‘first magic hour. This is when the baby is most alert, the sense of smell the strongest,
and when bonding between mom and baby begins. Left undisturbed, the baby
instinctively nuzzles looking for the nipple. When the baby suckles, s/he gets
their first taste of sweet colostrum (baby’s first milk) and mom’s
breastfeeding hormones kick in.
Dealing with Covid-19:
To minimise the risk of getting Covid-19 in the hospital,
when there are no complications, mom and baby are sent home after the first 24
hours. Women who have had a c-section go home on their third day. All women are
encouraged to get breastfeeding help and advice from organisations like La
Leche League, the Gauteng Breastfeeding Forum, their ante-natal midwife or a
Lactation Consultant.
According to Professor Priya Soma-Pillay, obstetrician
gynaecologist who heads the research centre for maternal, foetal and new-born
child health at Pretoria University, lactating women can safely be
inoculated and continue breastfeeding.
Benefits of breastfeeding:
MOM or Mother’s Own Milk is unique and perfectly formulated according to the needs of each individual baby because her milk comes from what she eats and contains invaluable antibodies to protect her baby from infections
Colostrum – or baby’s first milk – has been
called ‘liquid gold’ because contains everything a newborn needs. Just one
teaspoonful at each feed for the first 12 hours is enough
Colostrum has a laxative effect that helps to
prevent or minimise ‘baby jaundice’
Breastmilk has unique immunological benefits –
in other words, it prepares the gut to absorb nutrients while minimising the
risks of developing allergies and poor gut health
Babies benefit from amino acids (proteins) only
found in breastmilk. These help to feed a baby’s fast-growing brain.
Breastfeeding can help to reduce a woman’s risks
of breast cancer
Breastfeeding helps mom to burn extra calories
she may have gained during pregnancy
Breastfeeding means fresh milk at the right
temperature is always ‘on tap’
Night-time feeds are easier to deal with
Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to get asthma, allergies and colic. Breastfeeding also helps to reduce the risks of obesity and type 11 diabetes in adulthood.
Breastfeeding is economical and more hygienic.
For more breastfeeding information, type ‘breastfeeding’ in
the subject line on the gadgets page.
