Although breastfeeding is the natural way to feed babies, the fact that we no longer see so many mothers breastfeeding means we need to learn how to do so. Breastfeeding counsellor Melissa Bugeja shares tips with Veronica Stivala.
While breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a baby, many pregnant women tend to assume that it won’t be that difficult and that there is no need to learn more about it. Melissa Bugeja, a certified breastfeeding counsellor, points out how since we no longer really see mothers nursing their babies, mothers need to learn how to breastfeed.
“There is a tendency not to educate ourselves beyond knowing the benefits of breastfeeding,” explains Bugeja. “Lack of knowledge in new parents leads to a lot of misconceptions (like feeding frequency and amount) which, in turn, fuels worries and fears.” The solution? Breastfeeding education is key to avoiding common health problems, challenges and fears.
Sore or cracked nipples are poss-ibly the most common health problem related to breastfeeding. While easily resolved, it is very painful and tends to discourage many new mothers, who then stop breastfeeding prematurely. The issue, explains Bugeja, is because new mothers have no idea how to hold and latch a baby – which is different to bottle feeding. She advises new mothers suffering from sore or cracked nipples to seek professional help. Learning how to position and latch the baby correctly will usually solve the problem quickly.
Mothers-to-be are also encouraged to attend breastfeeding courses together with their partners to minimise such challenges.
Another common concern at par with sore or cracked nipples is mother fatigue. Generally speaking, becoming a parent is synonymous with being tired, but, warns Bugeja, if a mother is feeling unwell she will not be capable of caring for her infant properly. The stress generated by mother fatigue will present additional challenges – particularly through the reduction of milk production.
The solution is resting, eating healthy and drinking lots of water. Asking family members and friends to help out by doing chores, cooking etc. will give the new mother the time needed to rest and to dedicate her time and energy to taking care of her infant.
Although not a health problem, engorgement is also a typical issue. It occurs around four to five days after giving birth and may last approximately up to a week, until the body adjusts to how much milk the baby needs.
Bugeja explains how engorged breasts might make it difficult for the newborn to latch on, as his mouth is still small. “A warm compress, massaging the breast and expressing a tiny amount of milk before nursing the infant is usually enough to help. If in pain a mother can take paracetamol. Engorge-ment can lead to mastitis – an inflammation of the breast which can become infected and would require the administration of antibiotics.”
Although breastfeeding is the natural way to feed infants, some mothers feel or are made to feel uncomfortable to feed their babies in a public place. Bugeja says mothers do not need to feel so: “Breastfeeding in public helps other mothers to feel confident enough to nurse their own infants in public settings, and will help to normalise an act which has been normal and natural since time immemorial.”
Breastfeeding in public helps other mothers to feel confident enough to nurse their own infants in public settings, and will help to normalise an act which has been normal and natural since time immemorial
She goes on to add how, in reality, when one is breastfeeding hardly any breast is exposed, if at all. That said, for those who may still consider this as an issue, there are nursing aprons, specially designed clothes for nursing mothers and, of course, mothers can find discreet places to nurse (as long as they are not a public convenience).
What advice does Bugeja have for the working mother who wants to breastfeed? Just because one works outside the home does not mean one cannot breastfeed. If a mother plans to breastfeed but is worried about when she needs to return to work, it is recommended for her to talk to her employer. Many employers will accommodate a breastfeeding mother.
Bugeja also advises that mothers seek help from the breastfeeding walk-in clinic or a breastfeeding counsellor who can guide her on the best course to take that would suit her, her family and work. She strongly advises mothers to persist in providing a healthier solution to their infants rather than giving up breastfeeding at the first hurdle.
Is there an ideal age until when a mother should breastfeed? One can breastfeed for as long as one desires, comments Bugeja. Our children are made to breastfeed until they are seven, or when they start losing their baby teeth. The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding until two years and beyond – for as long as the mother and infant are both comfortable with it.
She notes: “Breast milk is essential for children who are still developing theirimmune system. Breastfeeding should not be discouraged just because a child has reached one year of age, so long as both mother and child are happy.”
Melissa Bugeja is a certified breastfeeding counsellor and a mother of two children both breastfed into early childhood. She helps educate parents through breastfeeding matters by organising courses and workshops, doing home visits and holding a weekly support group.