Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers, Mrs. Jane Bans Tay, nutritionist stated.
A review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
But some infants may be denied exclusive breastfeeding on the grounds of their mothers or caretakers. An HIV/AIDS positive mother who decides to feed the infant using supplementary food denies the baby the natural nutrients that build his immune system.
To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breastfeeding, Jane Barns, head of Nutrition at the Lower Manya Krobo Health Directorate said nursing mothers should initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of life to enhance good health and growth.
She made the call in an interview with Rite FM’s Omanba Kodwo Boafo at her office when discussing the myths and realities of breastfeeding.
While she debunked the belief that breastfeeding children in public while the breast is exposed causes cancer, a suggestion was made that nursing mothers could use a handkerchief to cover the breast rather than starving the baby.
Mercy Akuma Tetteh, 28, who spoke to the reporter about why she may not like to breastfeed her child for two years said, “I can’t because my breast will enlarge, and this may trigger my husband to follow young ladies whose breasts are still standing.”
Nutritionists agreed that breast milk is the natural first food for babies which provides energy and all the nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life.
Highlighting the benefits, Jane Barns said “breast milk promotes sensory and mental development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness”
“Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers; it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment” she added.
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat — everything your baby needs to grow. And it’s all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.
Breastfeeding has been linked to higher Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores in later childhood in some studies. What’s more, physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children.
Research also says breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well.
Educating lactating mothers on what ABCs are in Breastfeeding, she said
A = Awareness. Watch for your baby’s signs of hunger, and breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry. This is called “on-demand” feeding. In the first few weeks, you may be nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours. Hungry infants move their hands toward their mouths, make sucking noises or mouth movements, or move toward your breast. Don’t wait for your baby to cry. That’s a sign he’s too hungry.
B = Be patient. Breastfeed as long as your baby wants to nurse each time. Don’t hurry your infant through feedings. Infants typically breastfeed for 10 to 20 minutes on each breast.
C = Comfort. This is key. Relax while breastfeeding, and your milk is more likely to “let down” and flow. Get yourself comfortable with pillows as needed to support your arms, head, and neck, and a footrest to support your feet and legs before you begin to breastfeed.
By: Omanba Kodwo Boafo/ritefmonline.org
