Authors: Alena Combes- Baldwin, Jenna Little, and Rachel Luzer
Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is a natural process that provides an infant with the mother's breast milk either directly from the breast or through expressed milk that is pumped and then fed to the baby via a bottle. It can give the baby nutrients and calories like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. When a woman is pregnant, the breasts prepare to make milk for the infant. Milk making (Glandular) tissues will grow during this time hence why the breasts get fuller and feel more tender. When the baby is delivered, the lactation hormones begin to release while the pregnancy hormones decrease (estrogen and progesterone). This new lactation hormone, prolactin, sends messages that tell the breasts to make milk. In addition, the baby suckling creates the milk making process, and the more suckling, the more milk. As the baby suckles, oxytocin sends messages that make the small breast muscles contract in order to move the milk through the ducts. This is known as the let-down reflex.
Within the United States, there are dozens of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions living amongst each other in a so-called “melting pot”. While there are similarities between two individuals, there are also many differences, such as the way in which we care for newborns and other traditions that are affiliated with different cultures. The World Health Organization determined that 41% of babies 6 months or less are solely breastfed while the other 59% are getting nutrition otherwise through formula, combined formula and breastfed, or fed through other nutritional sources. Different religions differ greatly in practice such as with sharing milk, usage of colostrum, sexual abstinence during breastfeeding, and modesty.
Breastfeeding offers numerous health advantages for both the mother and the infant. For the baby, one of the most significant benefits is nutrition. As the infant develops, the composition of the mother’s breast milk evolves to supply essential nutrients tailored to the baby's growth. Breastfeeding also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the infant against both immediate and long-term health issues, such as asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It reduces the likelihood of these conditions, as well as less severe ailments like ear infections and stomach bugs. Additionally, breast milk transfers antibodies from the mother, enhancing both the mother’s and the baby’s immune defenses. For the mother, breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Motherhood can be challenging! Getting used to a new routine and a new family member in a recovering body can be taxing both mentally and physically. Breastfeeding especially can be challenging for new mothers learning what their baby likes, dislikes and how to best soothe.
Some common challenges are:
Latching- Latching is when the baby uses their mouth to attach to their mother’s nipple and surrounding areola. Baby’s positioning and distance is important as well as ensuring a calm and quiet location, if possible. If latching continues to be an issue, mothers can consult a lactation specialist or consider alternative options to milk delivery by utilizing breastfeeding aids such as a nipple shield or pumping.
Milk Supply- Every mom is different in how much milk supply they produce, the color, and the consistency. A low of a milk supply could be a result from short frequency feeding/pumping, latching issues, medication, stress, or diet. Some ways to encourage more production could be to ensure appropriate latching during feeds, breastfeed/pump more frequent, maintain a healthy diet and sleep hygiene, and relax or massage breasts prior to feeding. An excessive milk supply could be a result from genetics, feeding/pumping frequency, or medication. Some ways to manage an oversupply could be to switch breasts with each feed and change positions to decrease gravity pulling milk down.
Maternal Mental Health- Although rarely discussed, mental health in mothers postpardum is a great barrier to motherhood and breastfeeding. The most common conditions are depression, anxiety, stress, high social and personal pressure, and difficulty sleeping which can all negatively affect milk supply, result in shorter feeds, and reduce attitude towards breastfeeding.
Public/ Workplace Support- When away from one’s baby, breastfeeding is still necessary for the comfort of the mother postpartum. While this topic is discussed occasionally in the media, many women still struggle to find a safe space and privacy to pump or breastfeed in public or at work. This creates added stress and barriers to breastfeeding mothers due to inflexible work hours and lack of privacy leaving many women fearing for the security of their job and of themselves. In 2009, the Society for Human Resource Management reported 25% of companies offered accommodations for breastfeeding mothers and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) now requires companies to provide an appropriate amount of time for an employee to breastfeed for up to a year. There is a lot of work to be done within this scope but dozens of organizations continue to take a stance for this important issue.
In America, breastfeeding is seen as the standard for feeding a baby. There are some other ways that mothers can feed their babies. Some of the ways include exclusive latching, wet nurse, and formula. Exclusive latching is ideal for mothers who can be with their babies for all feedings. This benefit is that the temperature will never have to be guessed (always right) and it is always ready. A wet nurse is someone who breastfeeds a child that is not their own. This was popular back in the nineteenth century during slavery. Formula is a common usage in the United States and if the mother is unable or does not want to produce. Though it is common, formula does not supply the baby with all the nutrients necessary for them.
All throughout the world, every mother is responsible for making their own nutritional decisions for their baby. While there are many ways in which babies can receive nutrition, breastfeeding has been found to have dozens of incredible benefits for both mother and baby. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the baby is fed and the mother is happy and healthy. Challenges are present with breastfeeding such as the lack of knowledge, societal pressure, family support, health conditions, employment/child care issues, and frequency required which can be difficult for working mothers economically and financially.
Resources:
Commentaires