Benefits of breastfeeding

Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

I recently read an article in which a woman was interviewed discussing her experiences while breastfeeding. She shared that during 18 months of breastfeeding, she had, on a few occasions, felt some disapproval for breastfeeding her infant beyond a year, and eventually decided not to make it common information - only her husband and parents knew, in the later months. This mother was in the United States.

here in Jamaica, a mother breastfeeding her child beyond six months may well be asked at some point "Why?" Some people will even direct questions to the baby, like "You nuh tink you too big for breast now?"

There are still many people who wonder why it would be necessary to breastfeed a baby beyond a few months after birth and are unaware of the benefits to both infant and mother.

Here are some facts and recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO RECOMMENDS:

Exclusive breastfeeding as often as the child wants for the first six months of life, beginning within the first hour of birth. At six months, solid foods should be introduced to complement breastfeeding, such as mashed fruits and vegetables, and continued for up to two years or more.

BENEFIT TO INFANT:

Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed by infants for healthy development. It contains antibodies which help to protect infants from illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, two of the main causes of child mortality. Persons who were breastfed, as babies, perform better in intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or obese or to have type-2 diabetes. Research suggests the the longer infants are breastfed, the greater the benefit.

BENEFIT TO MOTHER:

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, speeds up the return to pre-pregnancy weight and lowers obesity rates.

INFANT FORMULA:

Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk. Clean and safe water and sterilised equipment are essential to prevent any risks to infant when mixing formula.

WORK AND BREASTFEEDING:

Many mothers returning to work have difficulty continuing breastfeeding. Establishing conditions at work, such as paid maternity leave, on-site nurseries, private areas to express and store breast milk and breastfeeding breaks may seem far-fetched but they are an invaluable investment in our families and society at large.

LEARNING HOW TO BREASTFEED:

Breastfeeding is something that is learnt and many women encounter some difficulty at the beginning, not the least of which is the fear that there is not enough milk to feed the baby adequately. "Baby-friendly" hospitals and health facilities (most hospitals in Jamaica) that support breastfeeding offer guidance to new mothers on how to breastfeed.

HERBAL AIDS:

Most women will not need any aid to help with breast milk supply. In fact, frequent feeding maintains breast milk supply. However, for the few who have difficulty, there are some herbs which can be used to improve milk supply. Vaccaria seeds (wang bu liu xing), glehnia root (sha shen), and dandelion (pu gong ying) are just a few.

For more information visit: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an Oriental Medicine Practitioner of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at Revamp Comprehensive and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Technology in Oriental/Chinese Medicine; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com