Breastfeeding is now accepted in our communities. The problem remains
that most women who intend to breastfeed will give-up in the first six
months. There are tangible measures we can take to help and support
breastfeeding mothers.
Breastfeeding would be made easier for new mothers if there were more
private areas where they could nurse their baby. Support groups and
forums devoted to breastfeeding mothers have proven to encourage mothers
to nurse longer.
More clinics solely devoted to breastfeeding mothers and their babies are needed countrywide.
Most women are convinced of the benefits of nursing their babies,
they just give-up when faced with challenges they are not prepared or
equipped to deal with. Among the many benefits for the baby to be
nursed, there are: Breastfed babies are less sick, have fewer ear and
pulmonary infections and are less hospitalized.
One of the greatest benefits of breastfeeding is the special bond it provides both the mother and the baby.
Breastfed babies have fewer allergies and are less prone to the
dreaded sudden infant death syndrome. On the overall, breast milk
provides the baby with the proper nutrients to its developing brain and
is easily digested. It needs no preparation and is very economical.
For the nursing mother, there are also health benefits such as
lowering their risk of post-partum hemorrhages, fewer risk of developing
breast cancer later on in life and some types of ovarian cancers.
Our society needs to take tangible actions to facilitate
breastfeeding and improve the long term persistence. Fathers can play a
crucial role in supporting the breastfeeding mother by taking over the
other tasks like preparing meals, changing the baby's diaper or giving
the baby a bath, etc
A long term plan is well needed is governments really want to help
new mothers continue breastfeeding for longer periods and diminish the
important drop rate after a few months.
Support groups and complete information web sites on breastfeeding
and solutions to the usual problem encountered by breastfeeding mothers
are a must. Such information as what to do if baby seams not satisfied?
How to deal with sensible skin in the first few weeks of breastfeeding?
The proper positions while breastfeeding, etc would be of great help to
nursing mothers.
The overall benefits of breastfeeding are tremendous for the baby and
the mother. By encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers,
society would insure a healthier and happier generation of developing
babies.
Author,
Jean Simmer
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