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JANE CHITANDA Lusaka
The first week of August is the perfect time to learn everything about breastfeeding. As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, under the theme "Breastfeeding Foundation of Life", the Zambia Nutrition Association will share with you information about the World Breastfeeding Week. Importance of breastfeeding. Let's start by understanding exclusive breastfeeding.
Mayanga, a teacher, was expecting her fourth child, whom she hoped to be her youngest child. As the expected date of delivery approached, she and her husband were determined to give their baby the best possible start through exclusive breastfeeding.
When their son Morgan was born, they were delighted. It has been exclusively breastfed for the first six months, but not without difficulties. Morgan is now a healthy 11-month-old baby. He was introduced to other foods at six months and continues to breastfeed.
In retrospect, Mayanga acknowledges that her decision to breastfeed exclusively was challenged at different stages.
For many mothers, the desire to breastfeed exclusively come to fruition. Breastfeeding is indeed the natural way to feed a newborn baby. This is a next step in the reproductive process after conception, pregnancy and childbirth. However, like many gifts of nature, breastfeeding must be learned in order to maximize its benefits.
You may be wondering, "What is there to learn about breastfeeding?" To begin, it is important to recognize that breastfeeding does not occur. is not just a biological act but also a learned behavior for the baby and the mother. There are salient features that are necessary to achieve exclusive breastfeeding according to the recommended period – the first six months of life. Knowing these data is a good starting point for exclusive breastfeeding even when challenges to practice arise.
Exclusive breastfeeding involves giving breast milk to the baby for the first six months of life and no other food or drink, not even water. , vitamin and mineral syrups, unless otherwise indicated. This confers various benefits, including the fact that it provides an ideal food for the growth and development of the infant. It also helps protect the newborn against diseases, including diarrhea, ear infections and respiratory tract.
Mayanga highlights some of the challenges she faces in practicing exclusive breastfeeding. There were times when she felt that she did not have enough milk to satisfy the baby. Sometimes, the baby cried a lot, he wanted to breastfeed often and for a long time until his nipples became painful.
One of the crucial areas that can improve exclusive breastfeeding is when a newborn is introduced into the breast. The World Health Organization recommends that breastfeeding be initiated within the hour after birth. This is important because there are several factors involved. Such a factor concerns reflexes in the baby. For example, the desire to breastfeed a baby (sucking reflex) is stronger after birth. This should be exploited because this stimulation increases the chances of triggering milk production and also promotes the circulation of milk. Otherwise, the milk flow may differ due to a delayed stimulation that is often enhanced when the baby falls asleep.
Starting to breastfeed shortly after childbirth also allows the baby to have access to the first milk (colostrum) that is rich in nutrients and antibodies that help protect the baby. Colostrum is also known as the "first" immunization. It is rich in growth factors and helps the baby to pass the greenish-black stool, also known as meconium.
Effective breastfeeding requires the mother to learn how to better position herself and the baby. The correct attachment of the baby to the breast is also crucial for an effective feeding.
When the baby is well attached to the breast, the mouth is wide open, the lower lip is turned to the outside and the chin touches the chest.
If a baby is not well attached to the breast, the mother may suffer painful nipples and chafing. The baby will also be dissatisfied and, therefore, cry a lot. In addition, the baby feeds frequently and for a long time. In addition, milk production will decrease, which will prevent the baby from gaining enough weight.
The appearance of breast milk demand affecting supply should not be underestimated. An effective suckling means that the breast is emptied so that the baby has access to the milk before, which comes at the beginning of each meal and is more liquid, and to the cow's milk, which comes near the end of the meal and is rich in fat. Access to both types helps keep baby satisfied after each feeding. Emptying the breast triggers the hormone (prolactin) to stimulate milk production. Have you ever wondered why the milk supply eventually stops when the baby is restricted from the breast? This is because the demand has decreased. Therefore, a mother should breastfeed at least 8 to 10 times a day to keep the demand high enough to maintain an adequate supply. If a mother is separated from the baby because of a work schedule, funeral or some other reason, she should express breast milk. Expressed breast milk can be stored safely at room temperature for 24 hours, in the refrigerator for 8 hours and in the freezer for 6 months.
Exclusive breastfeeding is achievable with adequate information, skills, and support. Mayanga contacted the nearest health facility to help her breastfeed her baby exclusively.
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