Breastfeeding : Mother and child’s health should be privileged

As is the tradition every year, the first week of August is dedicated to breastfeeding in Mauritius. Breastfeeding is beneficial both for the mother and child. According to worldwide statistics, only 43% of babies aged 0-6 months are exclusively breast-fed. Experts in the field explain how this can help both the mother and the child. According to Dr Laurent Musango, WHO representative in Mauritius, the aim of WHO is to increase the rate to 50% by 2025.

Why a low rate?

In Mauritius, the rate of breastfeeding for up to six months was 21% according to 2002 statistics. Bina Bonomaully, a breastfeeding counsellor for 20 years and president of the Infant Best Feeding Initiative, noted that mothers breastfeed their babies for the first three months but give up as soon as they return to work. For her, two factors contribute to this situation. “First, there is a lack of information on how to continue breastfeeding after the mother has returned to work. Some women are unaware that according to the law, they are entitled to permission to go and breastfeed their baby. Then, there is also the lack of family support, especially from the spouse.”

She also believes that society itself needs to be made aware of the benefits of breast milk. “Studies have shown that the bond between mothers and their babies when they breastfeed helps to make them a calmer and more psychologically stable adult. In addition, a child who has been breastfed is more likely to be healthy as an adult,” says Bina Bonomaully.

Dr. Musango believes that low rates of breastfeeding result from “social, cultural and commercial factors” but also from the health system in a country, not to mention “a lack of information on the subject.” The representative of the WHO in Mauritius stressed that the belief that breast milk is not enough for a baby before six months is still strong in many countries.

Other reasons highlighted are as follows:

• the ignorance that the colostrums and, subsequently, the mother's milk give the child all the nutrients necessary for its development
• a health system that does not encourage breastfeeding
• aggressive promotion campaigns by milk manufacturers and other substitutes
• lack of facilities in the workplace to enable the mother to breastfeed her child

Multifold benefits

Dr Aruna Surnam of the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life reveals that breastfeeding is one such practice that has only benefits as it contains antibodies, breast milk protects the baby against several conditions, such as gastroenteritis,  respiratory diseases, including asthma, skins problems, diabetes, obesity and diarrhea. She points out that there were many other advantages to breastfeeding. “Children who have been exclusively breastfed have a higher intelligence quotient. They also have fewer problems with orthodontics. For example, they have the jaw more developed. Not to mention they are less likely to have juvenile cancers, as well as develop diabetes in the long run,” says Dr. Surnam.

Nevertheless, breastfeeding does not just benefit the baby only. The doctor states that the mother also benefits a lot from it. “Mothers are less likely to have breast and ovarian cancer, as well as postpartum depression. In addition, by feeding her child from the breast, she can easily lose the weight she gained during pregnancy,” she adds.

Dr Surnam confides breastfeeding is also beneficial to the economy. “A child born exclusively to breastfeeding up to two years of age falls ill less often. When, unfortunately, this eventuality occurs, it is less serious. So fewer absences from work for mothers, less work stress for parents and reduced expenses for the state,” she says.

Nutrition tips

According to medical experts, during breastfeeding a woman needs 200 more calories per day than she did during pregnancy, and it is important that the calories come from nutritious foods. Here are some nutrition tips:

Protein

While breast-feeding it is recommended to eat two to three servings of protein each day. Good sources of protein include:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Milk and yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Tofu
• Dried beans

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that nursing mothers not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because of their high mercury content.

Calcium

The suggested daily intake of calcium for breast-feeding mothers is 1,300 milligrams per day. The best sources of calcium are:
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Hard cheeses
• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Calcium-fortified tofu

Iron

Iron is also important for breast-feeding mothers. Those who are 18 years of age or younger should get 10 milligrams of iron per day. For those over 19, the suggested daily intake is 9 milligrams. Good sources of iron include:
• Meat
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Dried beans
• Dried fruit
• Egg yolks

Vitamin C

Nursing mothers need slightly more vitamin C than they did during pregnancy. If you are 18 years of age or younger, you should get 115 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Those over 19 should get 120 milligrams per day. Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupe
• Potato
• Bell pepper
• Tomato
• Kiwi
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage

Liquids

While breast-feeding you should drink at least 8 cups of water each day. Have a glass of water each time you nurse your baby. In addition to water, other good liquids are juice, milk, broths, herb teas and soups.

Other Tips

• Nursing mothers must limit caffeinated foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea and some sodas.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

The Best Breastfeeding Positions for Mom and Baby

The Cradle

Sit with baby lengthwise across your abdomen with your elbow supporting his head and your hand supporting his bottom. Your other hand supports the breast.

The Cross Cradle

Lay baby on her side, well supported (consider a nursing pillow) and touching you. If you’re feeding on your left breast, use your right arm to support baby’s body and your right hand to support her head. Your fingers support the left breast.

Side-Lying Position

To feed on the left breast, lie on your left side with your back supported. Lay baby on his side facing you, his chest against yours. Your right arm will support his body, and your right hand will support his head, bringing him toward your breast. Some mothers are more comfortable with the baby supported in the crook of their arm, as pictured here.

The Football Hold

Hold baby at your side face up and lengthwise, supported by pillows. If nursing on your right side, use your right arm to support baby at your side, and guide her head to your breast.