By Ayodamola Owoseye
Becoming a parent is a thing of joy, especially in Africa. Motherhood
irrespective of the number of times a woman has put to bed is a life-altering
gift and an immense responsibility.
This is because each delivery comes with its
peculiar experience.
As countries around the world
celebrates World Breastfeeding, and have called on governments and
employers to adopt family-friendly policies that support breastfeeding.
The UN agencies said family-friendly
policies- such as paid parental leave – enable breastfeeding and help parents
nurture and bond with their children in early life when it matters most.
“The evidence is clear that during early
childhood, the optimal nutrition provided by breastfeeding, along with
nurturing care and stimulation, can strengthen children’s brain development
with impacts that endure over a lifetime.”
Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six
months and continued breastfeeding until age two or longer can boost children’s
immune system, shield them from disease, and provide protection from
noncommunicable diseases later in life.
Breastfeeding also protects maternal health —
women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Here are
some myths about breastfeeding:
1 Breastfeeding is easy:
Breastfeeding is not an easy feat.
Breastfeeding takes time and practice for both mothers and babies.
Breastfeeding is also time-intensive, so mothers need space, support and rest
at home and work.
Although babies will naturally look for their mother’s
breasts, many mothers need practical support with positioning the babies for
breastfeeding. This is to make sure that the babies are correctly attached to
the breast.
2. Mothers need to wash
their nipples before breastfeeding: There
is no need for mothers to wash their nipples before breastfeeding. The nipples
produce a substance that the babies smell and have good bacteria that can help
build the baby’s immune system.
3. Babies should be
separated from mothers at birth: This
is wrong. Doctors, nurses or midwives should always encourage the practice of
skin to skin for mothers and babies immediately after birth. The mother should
also as soon as possible with an hour of birth breastfeed the baby.
The first milk produced by the mother is very important
and must not be pressed away. The first milk or colostrum is rich in antibodies
and gives new-born immunity boost while their immune system is still
developing.
4. Breastfeeding mothers
cannot eat some food: Like everybody, a breastfeeding mother
should always eat a balanced diet. There is no major reason for mothers to
abstain from some food unless it is suspected that the baby reacts to a
particular food she eats. For such a decision to be taken, the mother can
consult a doctor.
5. Exercises affect the
taste of breast milk: This is very untrue. Exercise is healthy for
breastfeeding mothers. According to UNICEF, there is no evidence that exercise
affects the taste of breast milk.
6. Mothers cannot produce
enough milk: Almost all mothers produce the right
quantity of milk required to feed their babies. The milk production is
determined by how well the baby is latched on to the breast and the frequency
of breastfeeding. It is also determined by how well the baby is removing the
milk from the breast.
Eating well, rest and drink enough liquid also helps with
the production of breast milk.
7. You cannot take
medication while breastfeeding: This
is not necessarily true. Some medications are needed to be taken at some
specific point in time. In such a situation, the mother should consult her
doctor before doing so. The mother should also inform the baby’s doctor about
the medication she is taking.
8. Babies who are breastfed are clingy: Some babies
are clingy while some are not. All babies are different. No matter if they are
breastfed or not.
Breastfeeding does not determine if they will
be clingy. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies and it is very
important for the development of their brains. Breastfeeding also enhances the
bonding between mother and child because they are often held while
breastfeeding.
9. It is hard to wean a child if you breastfeed for more than a year: There is
no evidence that it is more difficult to stop breastfeeding after one year. The
mother can start introducing staple food to the baby some weeks to weaning the
child. This will make the baby familiar with the food and will prevent sudden
weaning.
