EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING; MYTHS, ADVANTAGES WITH FACTS

EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING.

Exclusive breast feeding involves feeding the newborn with breast milk only for the first six months of life without water or other fluids except drugs, vaccines, oral re-hydration solution and drops/syrups of vitamins/minerals as prescribed by qualified health personnel.

Globally, less than 40% of infants below six months of age are exclusively breastfed. In the developing world (Africa included), 38% of infants aged less than six months are exclusively breastfed.

However in Nigeria
research have showed that only 13.1% infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six month of life. This has contributed to the high mortality rate in children in this environment.

In recent times, there has been a lot of scientific evidence supporting the integral role of exclusive breast-feeding in the survival, growth and development of a child, as well as the health and well-being of the mother. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast milk has the complete nutritional requirement for a baby.

Advantages of breast milk / exclusive breastfeeding;

1.    Breast milk is safe. It contains antibodies that help to protect infants and boost their immunity. Consequently, breastfeeding contribute to reduced infant morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea, respiratory or ear infectious diseases.

2.    Breast feeding is economical (cost nothing as it were).

3.    Breast milk is readily available, clean and at the right temperature.

4.    It also delays the return of fertility and reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

5.    It promote mother to child bonding and creates a sense of fulfilment in the mother.

6.    There is no need for infant feeding bottles/ accessories and washing/ sterilization, so a better hygiene status is maintained.

7.    It can protect babies from developing allergies which is common with formula (cow milk or soya milk)

8.    Breastfeeding may boost child’s intelligence and may protect from obesity.

9.    Breastfeeding also reduces stress level and risk from post-partum depression.

MYTHS ABOUT BREASTFEEDING;

v Breast milk is insufficient and will no fill/satisfy a baby.

FACT; breast milk contains the best nutrients to sustain the growth and development of a child and has adequate volume. In addition, it has antibodies which help to fight diseases.

v Breast milk does not contain adequate water.

FACT; research has shown that breast milk contains about 85% water which is adequate to maintain water requirement of a new born.

v The first milk expressed from the mother’s breast after delivery should be discarded because it is dirty.

FACT; the first milk produced (called colostrum) contains the most important nutrients for the newborn because it contains antibodies that provide the first immunization for the child after birth so should be taken by the baby.

v BREASTFEEDING MAKES THE BREAST TO SAG OR DROOP.

FACT; this is absolutely false. The use of bras with good and firm support during pregnancy and while breast-feeding keeps the breast firm.

Some factors that constitute challenges for women from exclusive breastfeeding include;

·       Perception of insufficient milk production.

·       Fear of fatigue from breastfeeding.

·       Fear of dying or becoming too sick to be able to breastfeed.

·       The choice of supplementing breast milk with formula.

·       Perception of “bad milk”.

·       The strong role of extended family in decision making concerning infant feeding.

·       The need for the mother to resume work.

·       Stigma and inadequate health education provided by healthy personnel on optimal breastfeeding practices.

SOLUTION;

A simple PANACEA to these challenges is providing correct, adequate information and educating mothers about the best feeding practices.

IN CONCLUSION; it is of utmost public health importance that optimal breastfeeding practices particularly exclusive breastfeeding, are encouraged and practice in order to promote the growth, survival and good health of infants and promote the joy and fulfilment of motherhood.

BE A WONDERFUL MUM; GIVE YOUR BABY THE VERY BEST……BREAST MILK ONLY FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF LIFE.

for more information or enquiries, contact

Dr. Funmi Ashiwaju.

(Paediatric dentist)
email; funmash@yahoo.co.uk