Despite being a natural way to nourish and bond with an infant, breastfeeding is frequently frowned upon. This leads to the mother feeling overwhelmed with guilt and shame. In order to prevent this scenario, it is important to empower the mother who is breastfeeding to nourish her child in both private and public settings. To curb this, every year we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. 2024 also saw us celebrate the normalisation of breastfeeding with the theme Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.
Breastfeeding certainly provides a wide range of advantages for both the mother and child. Improved nutrition, optimised protection against diseases, avoiding infections, mental and emotional growth, improved digestion health and decreased chances of developing diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses are some of the benefits that are recognised for the infant.
BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH
Breastfeeding helps mothers in faster postnatal recovery, weight loss, reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Apart from these benefits, there is a growing recognition of the connection between breastfeeding and maternal neurological health.
Dr. Lekha Viswanath, Professor and Lactation Expert at Amrita Hospital, shares, “Oxytocin, popularly known as the love hormone, released during breastfeeding fosters a sense of connection between the mother and the baby. It promotes emotional bonding and maternal-fetal attachment. The combined effects of oxytocin and prolactin help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and mood stability and reduce stress. Breastfeeding enhances cognitive wellbeing and emotional resilience among postnatal mothers, probably due to the positive effect on mood and stress levels. The act of breastfeeding helps to reduce weight, reduce the risk of obesity and regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, which are known risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases.”
Preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding can help the mother promote neurological and mental health during pregnancy. Awareness about the childbirth process has been shown to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with childbirth. Planning for breastfeeding during pregnancy and learning the correct techniques of breastfeeding will help the mothers establish a successful feeding pattern and reduce the problems related to breastfeeding. Support from family and health care providers, adequate rest and sleep, and nutrition are also important in promoting neurologic and mental health. It also helps the mother to develop breastfeeding self-efficacy or confidence and to have a positive breastfeeding experience.
MYTHS ABOUT BREASTFEEDING
Dr. G Suma Reddy, lactation counsellor and gynecologist, further dismisses a few misconceptions around breastfeeding:
Myth: Nursing is a simple process
Numerous mothers require hands-on assistance in positioning their baby for breastfeeding and ensuring proper attachment to the breast. Breastfeeding requires patience and skill from both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is also demanding on time; therefore, mothers require both space and support at home and in the workplace.
Myth: Pain is a common part of breastfeeding
Numerous mothers feel uneasy during the initial days postpartum while adjusting to breastfeeding. By receiving proper assistance in positioning their baby for breastfeeding and ensuring their baby is properly latched onto the breast, mothers can prevent sore nipples.
Myth: You must consume plain foods exclusively when nursing your baby
Similar to everyone else, nursing mothers must consume a well-rounded diet. Overall, it is unnecessary to alter eating patterns. Infants are influenced by their mothers’ dietary choices even before they are born.
Myth: Working out can alter the flavour of your breast milk
Physical activity is beneficial for breastfeeding moms as well. There is no proof that it alters the flavour of your milk.
CRUCIAL ROLE OF FATHERS
A father’s support in breastfeeding is paramount, extending beyond a mother’s domain. It profoundly impacts the success of breastfeeding and the overall well-being of the family. Fathers who actively participate in this journey contribute to their partner’s emotional well-being, reducing stress and the risk of postpartum depression. Their understanding and encouragement become pillars of strength for mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.
Furthermore, Dr. Sai Kiran D, Consultant and Lead Neonatologist, Fernandez Hospital, shares, “Fathers who embrace breastfeeding foster a deeper bond with their babies from the very beginning. By sharing responsibilities like nighttime feedings and diaper changes, fathers actively participate in their child’s care. This not only lightens the mother’s load but also allows fathers to experience the joys and challenges of parenthood firsthand. Creating a supportive environment is key. Fathers can ensure their partners have a comfortable space to breastfeed and shield them from negativity. Sharing household responsibilities is equally important, as it helps to alleviate the mother’s burden, allowing her more time to rest and recover.
