What is better than a mother’s lifetime gift to her newborn? Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for the start of a new life. In an interview on the importance of breastfeeding, Dr. Elie Hobeika, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at AUBMC shared his knowledge by providing answers to some of the common questions about breastfeeding.
What are some of the major benefits of breastfeeding for mothers?The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are well-documented. Breastfeeding protects against post-partum hemorrhage, creates a special bonding experience between the child and mother, and helps with contraception. Breastfeeding makes it easier for a mother to return back to her original weight and decreases post-partum depression. In addition, it lowers the risk of ovarian and premenopausal breast cancer.
How does breastfeeding benefit a baby?Breastfeeding protects your baby from a long list of illnesses and developing allergies. It provides age-specific nutrients for the infant especially during the first six months of life. Breast milk has the perfect proportion of fat, sugar, water, and protein. The volume and composition of breast milk changes depending on the nursing frequency, baby’s age, and time of day. Accordingly, it promotes healthy growth during the different stages of a baby’s development.
Can a feeding formula replace breastfeeding?Many young mothers assume that infant feeding formula can easily replace breast milk. Yet, no matter how perfect the formula’s composition might be, it does not really duplicate the natural properties of a mother’s milk.
How does colostrum help a newborn?During the first few days after delivery, the breasts produce a golden fluid known as colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk your baby receives; it is more like the first vaccination which contains a lot of antibodies. Its substances boost the immune protection (IgA, lactoferrin, interferon, complement, gangliosides, interleukin, macrophages, PMNs, Lymph) and contribute in the decrease of many of the infections a newborn is prone to. Colostrum plays a vital role in decreasing the incidence and/or severity of diarrhea, ear infection, urine infection, bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, botulism, and childhood obesity.
How should a new mother get ready for breastfeeding?Numerous studies from around the world recommend breastfeeding since it not onlybenefits the health of the baby, but it is good for the health of the mother as well.Every pregnant woman should learn more about the importance of breastfeeding through attending breastfeeding pre and postnatal classes, reading related material and sometimes visiting lactation consultants.It is important for pregnant women to know that breastfeeding is not an easy task so they can prepare themselves physically and morally. This will make them overcome the difficulties early on.
When should a mother wean her child?The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by gradual introduction of iron- enriched solid foods. Weaning should be gradual and breastfeeding can continue up to two years. If weaned before 12 months, the infant should receive iron fortified formula. Breastfeeding can be continued even if the woman gets pregnant again.
What are some tips that help in making breastfeeding easier?Many small tricks can help:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact and initial feeding within one hour post-delivery is very important
- It is normal for a newborn to feed 8-12 times per day, 10-15 minutes on each breast
- Correct nursing positions make latching easier
- Your baby is latching well if you feel a pulling or tugging sensation on your breast
What advice would you give to working mothers who would like to breastfeed but find it difficult to do so?Breastfeeding is not an easy task especially for working mothers. In developed countries, maternity leaves are sometimes longer than six months which makes a difference; breastfeeding is supported in work areas and breaks are given for a lactating mother to pump and refrigerate her milk supply to be used later. In our country, such a support is not present, so the best method would be pumping the milk ahead of time, refrigerating or freezing it and then using it when needed by the nurse or the baby’s caregiver while the mother is at work.
What are some difficulties women might face while breastfeeding and what advice would you give them in such a case?Several problems might be encountered while breastfeeding:
- Sore nipples are a frequent complaint. Make sure your baby is latching properly. The baby needs to have the entire nipple and part of the breast in his/ her mouth
- Breast engorgement occurs when your breasts feel hard, swollen, throbbing, or uncomfortable. To relief engorgement, nurse frequently, place a warm compress on your breasts to get the milk flowing, or hand express some milk before your baby latches on
- Mastitis is the infection of the breast tissue. It should be treated by emptying the breasts fully during breastfeeding. In some cases, antibiotics or mild pain relievers might be recommended
- Breast abscess is a painful collection of pus in the breast. In addition to the pain, abscesses cause the breast skin to swell and feel hot. The best way to treat an abscess is either by incision or by drainage with antibiotics
