Breast Feeding

What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is the process by which human breast-milk is fed to a child. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. In Ghana, 52% of newborns are breastfed within 1 hour of birth and 43% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed. But the target rates for 2030 are 70% for initiation in the first hour, 70% for exclusive breastfeeding, 80% at one year, and 60% at two years. 

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding has both short- and long-term health benefits for mother and infant. For the baby, these benefits include:

• Reduced infections. There’s a correlation between babies who are breastfed and having fewer childhood infections, such as ear, respiratory, and gut infections as well as fewer colds.
• Better immunity against viruses and bacteria. Breast milk contains immunoglobulins, or antibodies, from the mother. These proteins help strengthen the infant’s immune system so it can defend itself.
• There is reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 
• A healthier weight. Children who are breastfed may have a lower rate of childhood obesity compared to formula-fed babies.
• Lower risk of diabetes. Breastfeeding reduces a child’s risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Satisfying changing nutritional needs. Babies require different levels of nutrients at the various phases of year one. A mother’s milk.

For the mother the benefits include, improved recovery and helps the womb reduce in size. There is the reduced risk of depression and weight is lost faster. Breastfeeding is also associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers.

How can you prepare for better breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, the following things can prepare you for breastfeeding:

Prenatal care. It is important to take good care of yourself and your baby. Babies who are born early or prematurely have a harder time breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor. Discuss your plan to breastfeed with your doctor. The doctor can give you some resources. Ask questions about what type of care the hospital provides after birth.

Breastfeeding items. Plan ahead by purchasing the items you need. These can include a nursing pillow, nursing bra, covers and breast pumps.

How soon can I start breastfeeding my child?

The first feeding may be within a few hours of childbirth. The baby will be born with an instinct to suck so it is important to establish it as soon as possible. That first breast milk is called colostrum. It’s a thick, yellow, sticky substance that’s rich with nutrients. It helps prime your baby’s gastrointestinal system for future feedings. A few short days after giving birth, your body will begin producing a different type of breast milk.

This milk is also very rich in nutrients and will fully sustain your infant for their first months. Skin to skin contact is encouraged during this period. Sometimes there can be physical issues that prevent your baby from breastfeeding properly, including a tongue tie, slipping, inverted or flat nipples. All of these can be overcome, but you may need additional guidance.

What are some factors that influence breastfeeding?

Feeling stressed or anxious can dramatically reduce milk supply. Lack of sleep has been shown increase some stress hormones- cortisol- can reduce your milk supply. Breast milk and breastfeeding operates on demand and supply. When breast milk is complemented with formula feeds, there is an automatic reduction because your body will adjust to not producing much.

This can be counteracted by pumping or expressing milk throughout the day. Inadequate food and water on the part of the mother can lead to poor milk supply. Fluid depletion from diarrhea and vomiting when sick can reduce milk supply

Alcohol, medicine and breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, it is important to remember that medicines and alcohol can also be passed on to the infant. New medications must be discussed with a doctor whilst breastfeeding.

• Drinking beer does not increase your milk supply, as urban myth(s) suggests.
• Consuming alcohol of any kind may decrease the amount of milk your baby drinks.
• Alcohol can change the taste of your milk, and some babies may not like it.
• Breastfeeding your baby while consuming alcohol can pose a risk to your infant if he or she consumes breast milk with alcohol.

Do I have to stop breastfeeding when my baby gets teeth?

A baby’s first tooth will probably appear after 6 months, though some children are born with one or more teeth. If your baby is growing a tooth and you are concerned about being bitten, keep your finger ready to break suction as soon as rhythmic suckling stops, so that they don’t learn the practice. If your baby has already bitten you while breastfeeding, say no firmly and remove baby from your breast. Once they learn that biting means no breast, they may learn to stifle the impulse.

Breastfeeding and sexuality

After the experience of childbirth, adjusting to a new baby and new schedules physical intimacy may be the last thing on new parents’ minds. Each parent’s experiences and expectations differ during this period. Mothers are often in almost constant physical contact while their partners look on desiring more closeness. At the end of the day, a new mother may have had so much ‘touching’ that sex is that last on her mind while her partner nay be in need of some physical sign of some affection from her.

This is not the case for all couples however. Some breastfeeding mothers and their partners experience less sexual desire during certain phases of parenthood, while others experience more. To navigate through this temporary glitch in sexual life, it is important for couples to communicate their needs and expectations to each other during this period.