Mothers should not stop breastfeeding early: CSH

Canadian Specialist Hospital has urged mothers to not stop breastfeeding early.  While, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months and then continued breastfeeding  till the age of 12-24 months, mothers find it difficult to cope with the challenges associated with it.

According to a survey held by UNICEF in 2015, 35% of infants from 0-5 months were exclusively breastfed in the Middle East and North African region, while the global percentage was 43%. Studies have shown that breastfeeding provides many health benefits to both mother and baby. Breastfed newborns are likely to be at a lower risk of ear and respiratory infections, diabetes, obesity among other benefits. As for mothers, breastfeeding lowers their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, and postpartum depression.

Dr. Sabiha Sabyasachi Banerjee, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecologist, Canadian Specialist Hospital said, ‘Breast feeding should be instinctive. In maximum number of cases, it need not be taught. However, every obstetrician should feel responsible for preparing and motivating her patient to breast feed and extend her support and advice to achieve the best results. Rwanda, Peru, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Nepal are some of the countries with proud figures ranging from 68-83% mothers breast feeding.’

“Despite being advantageous for both the mother and baby, mothers across the world choose to avoid breastfeeding due to the myths surrounding it. Some of the common myths regarding breastfeeding are that it is painful and might change the appearance of the breasts drastically. These myths lead to fear and anxiety among the mothers and need to be actively addressed and busted by the joint efforts of the obstetrician and the neonatologist,” added Dr. Sabiha.

In addition to the myths and lack of preparation, working mothers find it challenging to breastfeed after returning from work, making them dependent on commercially available formula feeds for their infant’s needs. Formula feeds are the easier option to choose but should be discouraged unless the situation warrants it.

Dr. Sabiha further added, “The mother has to know that she is in charge of the baby; nature prepares her for breastfeeding and learning how to do so, is simple. The advantages of bonding and immunity boosting have to be explained and emphasized. It aids maternal weight loss too and is proven for the optimal growth and development of the baby. In the case of working mothers, the use of breast pumps needs to be encouraged. It will facilitate the expression of breast milk and preserve it for their infant’s use. There can be a cosmetic disadvantage of breast feeding to the mother, which may be perceived by some women, but those too can be rectified. There may be some unfortunate mothers who because of some health issues may not be able to breast feed, but such issues too can be ironed out.”

To commemorate the end of World Breastfeeding Week, doctors from Canadian Specialist Hospital organized a seminar for expectant mothers to discuss and spread awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. Ms. Marites Canaya, Nurse in charge of NICU nursery, gave a presentation on the benefits of breastfeeding and Dr. Sabiha Sabyasachi Banerjee had an open Q&A session with the audience.

Mothers around the globe should be encouraged to breastfeed and assured that breast feeding is the best way to nurture the baby. Continued breastfeeding provides health and psychosocial benefits for both mother and infant and should be followed by all mothers.