The international community is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, themed; Closing the Gap-Breastfeeding Support for All, marked annually from August 1 to August 7.
Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. Consequently, Health organizations worldwide recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.
The Kenya Association for Breastfeeding kick-started the week with a training session in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society.
During the interactive session, held at the Society’s headquarters on August 1, those present got to ask questions and learn that, however much the process is a primal act, there are several accompanying issues with instances of complications, affecting both the mother and the child, in case it is not done correctly.
How Should You Hold Your Baby While Breastfeeding?
When breastfeeding, there are several recommended positions to hold the baby to ensure comfort and effective feeding.
The cradle hold is the most traditional, where the baby lies across the mother’s lap with their head in the crook of her arm. The cross-cradle hold is similar but offers more control by holding the baby with the opposite arm and supporting the head with the hand.
The football hold, where the baby is tucked under the mother’s arm like a football, is particularly beneficial for mothers who have a C-section or have larger breasts. The side-lying position allows the mother and baby to lie on their sides facing each other, which is convenient for night feedings or mothers recovering from childbirth.
Lastly, the laid-back or biological nurturing position involves the mother reclining with the baby lying on her chest, allowing gravity to help with latching and providing a more relaxed feeding experience. Each position has its advantages, and mothers may need to experiment to find the one that best suits their comfort and their baby’s needs.
Signs That Your Baby is Breastfeeding Well
Newborns typically require frequent feedings, with at least eight sessions in 24 hours. Some babies prefer to breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours, both day and night, while others may cluster feed every hour for 4 to 6 feeds and then sleep for 4 to 6 hours. It is important to wake a sleepy infant for feedings until the mother’s milk supply is well established and the baby is gaining weight appropriately.
As the baby grows older, the frequency of feedings generally decreases, although periods of increased feeding can occur during growth spurts.
Several signs indicate that a baby is getting enough milk during breastfeeding. A sustained, rhythmic suck/swallow pattern with occasional pauses suggests effective feeding, often accompanied by audible swallowing. The baby’s arms and hands will appear relaxed, and their mouth will be moist.
After feeding, a satisfied and content demeanour is a positive indicator. Additionally, frequent wet and dirty diapers are clear signs that the baby is receiving sufficient nourishment.
General Breast Care
General breast care during breastfeeding includes washing your breasts daily, and avoiding soap on the nipples, especially if they are sore, as soap can dry and crack the skin. Wearing a well-fitting, non-tight bra without underwires is recommended.
After breastfeeding, expressing some breast milk onto the nipples and the surrounding dark area can help protect the skin; allow the milk to dry before putting on your bra. If you use breast pads, change them at each feeding if they become wet, and avoid pads with plastic liners to maintain breast health.
Additionally, during breastfeeding, mothers may experience several complications that can affect their breast health. Common issues include sore or cracked nipples, often resulting from an improper latch or dry skin. Engorgement, where the breasts become overly full, can cause discomfort and make it difficult for the baby to latch properly.
Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, leads to pain, redness, and fever, requiring medical attention. Clogged milk ducts, which feel like tender lumps, can occur when milk flow is obstructed and may lead to mastitis if not resolved. Thrush, a fungal infection, can cause itching, redness, and shooting pain in the breasts.
Proper breastfeeding techniques, good hygiene, and seeking support from healthcare professionals can help manage and prevent these complications.
Manufactured infant milk (formula) contains nutrients that are foreign to humans and mixed in proportions that are unsuitable for humans. The formula is unable to provide many nutrients found in breast milk. Babies feed differently from a bottle than they do from a breast.
Infants who are not breastfed are at greater risk for infections, respiratory illness, and allergic disorders. Mothers who do not breastfeed are at greater risk for breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Families who do not breastfeed spend more money on infant food, and medicine, have more visits to the physician’s office with sick children, and more hospital admissions.
