Mothers are the protagonists in breastfeeding,
but having a support network is crucial for the well-being and health of both mother and baby.
This makes mothers feel safe and able to focus on what matters: breastfeeding.
The Ministry of Health recommends breastfeeding until two years of age or older, and for the first 6 months, the baby should receive only breast milk (exclusive breastfeeding), i.e. without the need for juices, teas, water or other foods.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has set a global target of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of age of at least 50% by 2025. In Brazil, the percentage of exclusively breastfed children is 46%. We’re getting closer and, with the help of many breastfeeding buddies, we’re going to contribute to the healthy development of millions of babies.
Advantages of breastfeeding
Breast milk contains all the nutrients a child needs to develop fully up to six months of age. It is a source of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, mineral salts and even water. This means that, as a rule, the baby only needs the mother’s milk during this period.
And more:
Helps prevent overweight and type 2 diabetes in childhood
Contributes to the child’s immunity
Can prevent sudden infant death syndrome
Reduces the risk of diabetes and breast and ovarian cancer in mothers
Does not generate carbon, pollution or waste
How to face the challenges
Although it’s “natural”, breastfeeding isn’t always as easy, simple or intuitive as it can often seem. The scenes of serene, smiling mothers breastfeeding can lead to feelings of doubt and tiredness, as well as physical and emotional pain.
It’s true that we shouldn’t romanticize breastfeeding. It’s also true that most difficulties can be overcome and that each woman must know her limits. In order to make sound decisions, it’s important to have access to reliable information as well as medical advice.
Find out about some of the main challenges involved in breastfeeding and some ways to deal with them.
Difficulties with
the baby’s latch
There is a right way to latch the baby onto the nipple when breastfeeding, which ensures a smoother breastfeeding experience and prevents pain and discomfort for both mother and baby.
Learn how:
- Baby’s belly and torso facing the mother
- The baby’s nose does not touch the breast in order to breathe freely
- The baby’s chin rests against the breast
- The mouth reaches most of the areola, not only the breast nipple
- The baby’s lips turn outwards
- The cheek bulges when the baby sucks milk
Nipple fissures
Injuries to the nipple tissue caused by pressure from the baby when the baby’s latching on or nursing is incorrect.
How to avoid it:
- Sunbathe your nipples for 10 to 15 minutes to revitalize the skin and prevent fissures
- Ensuring the baby’s correct latch
- Apply a few drops of breast milk to the nipple and areola after bathing and at each breastfeed
- Do not use soaps, creams or ointments on the area
Breast engorgement
and mastitis
When the breast does not empty completely after breastfeeding, when the baby’s latch is not done correctly, or when the frequency of breastfeeding is low, milk accumulates in the mammary ducts. This build-up makes the milk more viscous, hinders its flow, and can cause engorgement. When it is not treated correctly, it can cause breast inflammation, known as mastitis. The main symptoms are pain, swelling, and hardening of the breasts, as well as fever and general malaise. It is important to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and undergo treatment.
How to avoid it:
- Drink around 2 liters of water a day
- Breastfeed according to the baby’s demand
- Extract excess milk
- Massage the breasts and apply cold compresses
- Wear supportive bras
Little or “weak” milk
Ways to stimulate milk production and improve breastfeeding
- Increase the frequency of breastfeeding
- Offer both breasts
- Massage breasts during feeds
- Retirar o leite que fica na mama após as mamadas
- Remove milk remaining in the breast after feeds
- Have a healthy diet
- Always stay hydrated
- Whenever possible, rest
Mental health and
breastfeeding
A woman’s body produces the hormones prolactin, which stimulates milk production, and oxytocin, which promotes contraction of the mammary glands and ensures that milk comes out. The production of both may be disrupted by mental health factors.
Almost 20 per cent of pregnant women in the world will have a mental health episode and in Brazil, around 25 per cent of mothers show symptoms of depression between 6 and 18 months after giving birth. Mood swings, bouts of crying, irritation, anxiety, changes in sleep and excessive worriedness are common in the first few days after giving birth (the so-called baby blues). When the duration and severity of the symptoms extend, it could be postnatal depression, which requires diagnosis and medical treatment.
Along with hormonal and routine changes, the accumulation of roles as a mother, wife, and homemaker can lead to mental exhaustion and affect breastfeeding. One of the main roles of the support network is to assist whenever possible to prevent the mother from reaching the point of exhaustion and stopping breastfeeding.
Be part of the breastfeeding buddies team
Those who don’t breastfeed
can also contribute. Here’s how: