Why do we need to be more aware about breastfeeding?
When I was in the advertising world, I remember having a meeting with a health company that manufactured baby feed formula and they had a brief for my agency to market it to mothers with infants. But there was a challenge; the advertisements can’t tell mothers that it is selling them baby formula. My colleagues seemed quite stumped by this strange ask, but as the only parent in the room, I knew exactly what problem the company was facing.
You see, Indian government pushes the case for breastfeeding strongly and they constituted an act for this The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992. This law clearly states that no person is allowed to promote the use or sale of infant milk substitutes or [feeding bottles or infant foods] or even contact pregnant woman or the mother of an infant.
When a country’s government directly gets involved in propagating the importance of breastfeeding then you know, it’s a big deal. To understand the importance and journey of breastfeeding I spoke with a lactation consultant Dr. Mugdha Joshi who gave a strong primer on the same and it was so informative that I had to split this article in three parts.
This is Part 1 of the article - The importance of Breastfeeding.
General Knowledge on Breastfeeding
It is common knowledge that breastfeeding is not just about nourishing the baby; but it is nature’s way of providing essential immunity and for the baby to get antibodies. Breast milk is formed in the mother’s breast as early as the seventh month of pregnancy, packed with antibodies and nutrients designed to protect the newborn. This natural immunity is crucial in the early months when the baby’s immune system is still developing.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and other global bodies.
Health Benefits not just for the child but mother too
As per the information provided on WHO, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of otitis media and malocclusion, and other studies further suggest that breastfeeding may have longer-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, and increasing intelligence quotient (IQ).
The write-up on WHO further adds that breastfeeding has clear benefits to mothers as well, lowering their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes, as well as increasing the time between pregnancies
Challenges while breastfeeding
Postpartum anxiety or depression is quite common, particularly during the demanding initial months and imagine, all this while the mother is breastfeeding. She needs as much support that she can get and especially from the dads. They can offer significant support. Providing a calm and stress-free environment, assisting with household chores, and encouraging the mother can make a substantial difference. Fathers can also engage in skin-to-skin contact with the baby, fostering bonding and giving the mother much-needed rest.
Mixed Feeding: Making Informed Decisions
Couples decide on mixed feeding (breastfeeding + alternatives) depending on the situation they find themselves in and we need to respect that. It doesn’t mean they are not educated about breastfeeding, it’s just that perhaps their situation doesn’t allow it. This could be for many reasons, like work schedule, child not latching, milk flow issues and many more. It’s essential to discuss the feeding goals together as a couple. Whether it’s exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding or pumping milk for some feeds, the decision should consider the mother’s responsibilities and well-being.
So back to our question:
Why do we need to be more aware about breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a beautiful act that offers unparalleled health benefits for the baby and emotional bonding for both mother and child. Let’s recognize and support the incredible journey of breastfeeding. By understanding its importance and the challenges involved, we can create a supportive environment that promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
In the second of the breastfeeding article we will talk in depth about the father’s role in breastfeeding.
