Babies have a right to breast milk

Why breastfeeding is important

The hectic pace of modern living and a lack of adequate support have forced many mothers to abandon breast feeding early on, preventing infants from getting the best possible start in life, and what is surely their right.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on Breast Feeding Week.

This year is the 20th anniversary of Breast Feeding Week. Despite this breastfeeding rates in certain areas are dropping significantly, partly due to a lack of adequate training and lack of support.

You may wonder why when so many substitute products exist on the shelves, is breastfeeding still thought to be so important? Healthcare professionals agree that no matter how natural or high quality a substitute breast milk formula may claim to be, there is nothing as good for your baby as mother's milk.

Breast milk is one of the most nutritious substances and is the ideal food for infants. Not only does it contain nutrients that are important for a baby's physical and mental development, it also contains antibodies that help to protect against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia - the two leading causes of infant mortality worldwide.

The long-term benefits of breastfeeding are also noteworthy. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), studies have shown that people who were breastfed as infants are likely to have a better life-time of health with lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, lower rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. There is even some evidence of improved intelligence.

The WHO states that breastfeeding also has its health benefits for the mother as it often helps women return to pre-pregnancy weight more easily, lowers rates of obesity and may even reduce risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.

Aside from the countless physical benefits of breastfeeding, it is also an emotionally enriching experience. Most women find that breastfeeding presents an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bond with their baby. Some mothers battle with the concept of motherhood and the changes that are brought about during the first few weeks and months following delivery. Many of these mothers therefore feel that breastfeeding assists greatly with the mother and child bonding process.

However, there's more to this natural step than meets the eye. Mothers have to learn how to breastfeed as it can be a little tricky at first. Most women experience nipple pain and many fear that they will not be able to sustain an adequate milk supply. It is therefore of the utmost importance that health facilities support breastfeeding training and offer counselling to new mothers.

The correct infrastructure and support is vital for mothers learning how to breastfeed. A healthcare professional can show a new mother how to latch her child properly to ensure that the infant is getting enough milk.

Women often believe that they have a low milk supply because the breast no longer feels full or milk no longer leaks from the nipple. However, most of the time this simply means that the mother has adjusted to her baby's requirements.

Only a very small percentage of women are physically incapable of breastfeeding and most can correct any difficulties that they may be experiencing. The most common reasons for inadequate breast milk supply include infrequent feedings because of nipple pain, lethargy or poor latching, oestrogen-containing birth control pills, an illness, a hormonal disorder and breast surgery. However, most of the time the problem does not lie in production of milk but rather in the actual feeding of the baby due to a poor latching ability or technique.

Once correct latching and regular feeding have been established the mother will keep up an adequate supply of milk naturally. It is important for the baby to receive breast milk within the first half-hour of birth, if possible, as this is when the mother's body produces a concentrated form of breast milk called colostrum. This thick, creamy substance is produced in small volumes that are easily digested and encourages the clearing of the baby's intestines, which helps to prevent jaundice.

While most mothers are able to spend an adequate amount of time breastfeeding within the first few days after delivery, many find it almost impossible to maintain supply in the weeks that follow as they have to return to work. The World Health Organisation states that the working mother needs at least 16 weeks absence from work after giving birth to rest and to breastfeed.

Because the majority of women who work do not have this time to spare they take to using breast milk replacement formula. By highlighting the importance of breastfeeding during Breast Feeding Week, GEMS hopes to encourage more mothers to breastfeed as much as is possible. Not only is breast milk far more beneficial, it is also a much safer, more hygienic way to feed your baby.

Formula contains some vital nutrients but it does not contain the anti-bodies that protect your baby from dangerous illnesses. In addition, mothers with a lack of consistent access to clean water are advised against the use of formula because of the risk of waterborne diseases.

There are also often cases of babies suffering from malnutrition due to an over-dilution of formula in order to make it last longer. By frequently breastfeeding a mother can maintain an adequate supply of the high quality food that her baby truly needs, whereas formula may become unavailable or too expensive. If this happens it may be too late to return to breast milk as a lack of feeding from the mother's breast may lead to diminished breast milk production.

The decision to breastfeed is a very personal one, but there is no doubt that with the proper guidance, support and care breastfeeding can be one of the greatest, most beneficial gifts that a mother can give to her child.

For members who have any questions on breastfeeding, please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:

The World Health Organisation - www.who.int
Women's Health - www.womenshealth.org
Breastfeeding.com - www.breastfeeding.com