Breastfeeding: Benefits To The Mothers And Safety Tips In Times Of COVID
A woman grows both physically and
emotionally from the time she forms a relationship with her newborn.
Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition to the baby and also improves mothers'
health. Hence, it is important to know its benefits for both the mother and her
Worlds Breastfeeding Week,
celebrated in the first week of August (1 to 7) every year, is marked to
encourage breastfeeding, which improves the health of both, the babies and
mothers around the world.
Here we discuss various benefits
it has in the baby as well as the mother.
WHEN TO START BREASTFEEDING
Ideally it should be started as soon as the baby
is born, even before cutting the umbilical cord.
The suckling of the baby releases the hormone
oxytocin which causes early separation of the placenta and reduces the blood
loss during pregnancy.
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for your
baby including everything the baby needs. Its composition changes according to
the baby’s need, therefore no milk can replace it.
It is easily digestible.
HEALTH BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS
In the first few days of life, colostrum is
produced, which is thick yellow in color and rich in proteins and other
compounds. It is essential for the development of newborns' immature digestive
The presence of antibodies in breast milk helps
the baby fight off viruses and bacteria and prevents the baby from falling
Babies, who have breastfed, have lower rates of
asthma, diabetes, childhood leukemia, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Skin to skin contact helps the baby to thrive.
SAFE, HYGIENIC AND COST-EFFECTIVE
Breast milk is always fresh, perfectly clean,
just the right temperature, and is the healthy choice at the least cost. It
requires no preparation and sterilization unlike formula feeding
EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND
A woman's ability to produce all of the
nutrients that her child needs can provide her with a sense of confidence and
less anxiety. However, a proper diet should be maintained and certain foods
that might cause agitation to bay must be avoided.
Hormones released during breastfeeding help to
strengthen the maternal bond.
HELPS IN NORMALIZING THE
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and prolactin
hormone which helps uterus get back to normal size quickly and also decreases
These hormones help the mother relax and be more
nurturing towards the baby.
Mothers exclusively breastfeeding their baby
return to their pre-pregnancy weight much faster.
Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of
obesity and hypertension.
Breastfeeding acts as a contraceptive measure
and helps in birth spacing. It is natural and totally free, called the lactational
Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
LONG TERM BENEFITS AND CANCER
Breastfeeding also has long term benefits as it
decreases the incidence of reproductive cancers in the mother, including breast
cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial and ovarian cancers.
It also reduces the risk of heart disease,
diabetes, and osteoporosis in later years of life.
SAFETY OF BREASTFEEDING IN
COVID POSITIVE WOMEN
Major studies and evidence
support the continuation of breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) stated
in a study that breast milk is unlikely a source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2
and it is the best choice for infant feeding.
Birthing parents who contracted the coronavirus
are unlikely to transmit it to their newborn if proper precautions such as hand
and breast washing, and wearing a surgical mask while feeding is followed.
Some experts also suggest that breastfeeding
with COVID-19 can provide the newborn with antibodies that are protective
against the coronavirus.
If you are very sick and cannot feed the baby,
you can express breast milk and relatives/health care workers can provide it to
Express breastmilk frequently throughout the day
to maintain your milk supply.
UNICEF points out the importance of following the 3 Ws, which are:
Wear a mask during feeding,
Wash hands with soap before and after touching
the baby and,
Wipe and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Conclusively it can be said that
breastfeeding provides a unique emotional experience for the nursing mother and
the baby. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. So always practice
it to enjoy its benefits for you and your little angel.
By Dr. Prachi Sarin Sethi
Consultant (Gynecologist )
Metro Hospital and Heart Institute, Gurugram