Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and lovely experiences that many women look forward to following childbirth. However, despite its seeming simplicity, nursing can often cause difficulties for new mothers. In fact, UNICEF research shows that only 38% of newborns worldwide are exclusively breastfed up to six months of age. This figure emphasises the significance of providing proper breastfeeding support to new mothers as they traverse this critical stage of their child’s development.
In this post, we will look at some of the reasons why women may want more breastfeeding support beyond what they receive during routine hospital visits or consultations with healthcare practitioners. We will also address the advantages of obtaining such assistance, how to obtain it, and the role of community efforts and organisations in encouraging optimal lactation practices among women.
Reasons Why Women Might Need Breastfeeding Support:
New mothers sometimes worry about their baby’s correct latch on the nipple while nursing. A weak latch can cause the mother’s breasts to become painful and infected. According to studies published in the journal Paediatrics, over 95% of breastfeeding difficulties experienced by new mothers are caused by poor latching procedures. As a result, learning good latching techniques through instruction or demonstration may greatly enhance breastfeeding outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.
Excess milk in the breasts can cause swelling, hardness, and discomfort, known as engorgement. The issue can cause pain, making it difficult for the baby to feed properly, resulting in more discomfort and decreased supply. Some infants struggle to extract enough milk, which can cause the baby to become hungry more frequently than usual, leaving the mother weary and stressed. Seeking advice from lactation specialists on techniques such as expressing, hand expression, warm compresses, and cold pack applications may help ease engorgement symptoms and make breastfeeding less unpleasant.
Low milk supply is a typical issue for nursing mothers. It affects about 15% of breastfeeding moms globally. Mothers with inadequate milk production may be concerned about their ability to deliver adequate sustenance to their newborns, affecting their mental health negatively. They may turn to supplemental feeding using formula or donated human milk to compensate for low milk supply. Inadequate breastmilk consumption may impede the infant’s growth and development, making them more susceptible to disease. As a result, contacting breastfeeding professionals can assist identify potential causes of poor milk supply and recommend practical strategies to boost milk production levels.
Benefits of Seeking Breastfeeding Support:
Breastfeeding support promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. This relationship increases breastfeeding success rates by providing a positive feedback loop that makes the mother feel more secure and comfortable during breastfeeding. Studies have found that maternal self-efficacy (confidence in one’s own ability to complete tasks) connects positively with breastfeeding length, implying that a supportive atmosphere promotes better nursing outcomes.
Breastfeeding provides significant physical health benefits for women. Breastfeeding, for example, lowers the chance of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, a study conducted at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Centre discovered that women who breastfeed have lower body mass index (BMI) values than non-breastfeeding women, lowering the risk of weight gain after delivery. Consultative services targeted at improving breastfeeding patterns, hence promoting overall maternal health.
How Can Women Get Breastfeeding Support?
Community programmes that promote optimum lactation practices and address breastfeeding barriers help to raise breastfeeding prevalence rates. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, initiated by UNICEF and WHO, is one example of an effort to build environments that prioritise breastfeeding support by applying evidence-based principles in hospitals and healthcare institutions.
Conclusion:
To summarise, the importance of breastfeeding support cannot be overstated considering the numerous benefits it provides to both the mother and the infant. Consultation services are essential for maintaining effective breastfeeding experiences, from enhancing breastfeeding knowledge and skills to encouraging healthy lactation patterns. As we work to advance maternity and childcare policies, it is critical to address issues that contribute to discrepancies in breastfeeding patterns across populations. By making breastfeeding support more accessible and inexpensive, we can work together to provide fair and sustainable nursing experiences for all women and children throughout the world.