World breastfeeding week is celebrated every year from 1st to 7th of August to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need.
Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns before they are able to eat and digest other foods; older infants and toddlers may continue to be breastfed, either exclusively or in combination with other foods from around 6 months of age when solid foods may be introduced.
There is no commercial formula that can equal breast milk. Breast milk provides minerals, vitamins, hormones, digestive enzymes, 0.9% protein, 4.5% fat and 7.1% carbohydrate(mainly as lactulose). It also contain antibodies from the mother that help the baby resist infections.
Women produce milk after child birth to feed the baby under the influence of the hormones, oxytocin and prolactin. The initial milk produced is known as colostrum which is high in immunoglobulin A (igA), which coats the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to protect the new born until it own immune system is functioning properly. It also create a mild laxative effect, expelling meconium and helping to prevent the build up of bilirubin which is a contributing factor in jaundice. Colostrum gradually change to become mature milk. Amount of milk produced depends on how often the mother is pumping, the more the mother pumps, the more milk is produced.
Breastfeeding offers health benefits to both mother and child.
For mothers, it assists the mother in returning to her pre-pregnancy weight, assists the uterus in returning to its pre-pregnancy size, it reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding, postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer and it is a natural method of birth control.
For the child, it increases intelligence, decreases likelihood of contracting middle ear infections, decreases dental problems, eczema and risk of asthma, obesity, psychological disorders and sudden infant death syndrome, it protects infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, cold and flu.
In addition to providing essential nourishment to infants, it is used as a home remedy for minor ailments such as conjunctivitis, insect bites and stings, infected wounds, burns and abrasions and contact dermatitis.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is 6 months old. Nutritious supplement should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years.
Many mothers who return to work abandon breastfeeding because they do not have sufficient time or a place to breastfeed. Mothers need a safe, clean and private place in or near their work place to continue breastfeeding. Whether a woman is working in the formal or non-formal setting, it is necessary that she is empowered in claiming her and her baby’s right to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding should be on demand as often as the child want day and night, bottles and pacifiers should be avoided.
Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins. There is nothing better for the health of your baby.
Today marks the end of world breastfeeding week 2015. Breastfeeding and work. Let’s make it work!!!
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