Supporting breastfeeding makes a difference for moms and babies

WHO recommended infant and child feeding practice

• Early initiation with colostrum within one hour of birth

• Exclusive breastfeeding for six months

• Introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary foods after 6 months along with continued breastfeeding up to 24 months

Mother’s milk is considered the best nutrition for babies and the only food they need for the first six months. Studies have shown that children, who are sufficiently breastfed, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. However, despite the associated benefits many Indian mothers do away with it at the fourth month itself, reveals the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

Lactating mothers are faced with multiple challenges as they strive to practice exclusive breastfeeding. It is emotionally demanding, physically exhausting, and uncomfortable at times. It is not always easy, particularly if a mother is experiencing problems or feeling particularly tired and isolated, so encouragement from those closest to her is vital.

“Many women have expressed that they find it very difficult to balance all the new roles and responsibilities after delivery. The care of the new born, coupled with household and professional obligations are too much. They get overwhelmed and emotional and often discontinue exclusive breastfeeding after the first few months.

This is where a strong supportive environment could make a difference. There is evidence that, support from the family and workplace has a significant positive impact on the mother in her choice to breastfeed to the child,” says Dr Jyothi Chabria, managing director, Nutriline.

Role of fathers in breastfeeding

Fathers can start by creating and providing a positive environment towards breastfeeding in motivating and supporting the mother. By being helpful around the house and sharing in the responsibility of burping, diaper changing and bathing the newborn, they can ease pressure of the mother.

“Breastfeeding is mistakenly considered to be confined to women and babies, but fathers play a much bigger role than they are led to believe. We know from research that support from the father has a considerable impact on the mother’s decision to continue breastfeeding.

Fathers need not be passive or neutral observers; they have tremendous potential to facilitate the success of breastfeeding. Research on how breastfeeding benefits a child in the long run is a must for fathers. The more they know about breastfeeding and are willing to help and encourage mothers, the more likely they are to breastfeed successfully,” says Dr Chabria.

Balancing work and family

More women are now working in order to supplement their family income. Balancing work and family life is an important priority for them. But sometimes they are also forced to choose between the two and tend to discontinue breastfeeding the newborn. A positive work environment can however ease the mother of such troubles.

Organisations need to create a workplace environment that is supportive and respectful of a woman’s decision to breastfeed. As an employer there are three ways to support breastfeeding working moms; Time, Space and Encouragement

1. Time: Providing adequate and flexible maternity leave suited to the mother’s needs over and above the minimum legal requirement.

2. Space: Making provisions of private and hygienic lactation rooms where mothers can express milk.

3. Encouragement: Supporting the mother with her workload with the help of her colleagues and providing job security.