Sunny Health

 This week is World Breastfeeding Week, commemorated to encourage breastfeeding of babies around the world. 

It is a long-known fact that breastfeeding is better for the baby’s health, compared to formula milk. UNICEF even recently released a report indicating that a mother’s milk fed to the baby within an hour from birth would serve as the first vaccination, passing on critical nutrients, antibodies and skin contact with mothers that can protect them. In third-world countries where vaccinations and professional care for newborns are unheard of, this makes a difference between life and death.

However, mothers shouldn’t take for granted that they would certainly be capable of producing milk. As milk is itself a form of nutritious food, a mother must be in good health and consume a healthy, nutritious diet. Some minimal changes may also be needed to guarantee the production of sufficient milk:

- You do not have to eat for two, but do eat a little more than you usually would, about an extra 500 calories a day, to maintain your energy level. Some healthy foods to help boost your energy would include whole-grain bread, banana, apples and yogurt.

- Drink water frequently, not only when you are thirsty. Drink more water if your urine is dark yellow. It would be good to have a glass of water nearby while you are breastfeeding. Avoid juices, sugary drinks and caffeine. Caffeine can agitate the baby and interfere with the baby’s sleep.

- Aside from caffeine, alcohol should be avoided as well. Seafood, despite being a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, usually contain mercury, which can be dangerous to a baby’s nervous system in high amounts. Avoid seafood that is high in mercury content

- Consider getting advice from your doctor on supplements if you believe that it may be challenging to get all important nutrients from your diet.

- While it is obviously best to quit smoking when having a baby, smokers can breastfeed, but should not smoke for up to around 2 hours before each feeding to ensure no nicotine gets into the milk.

Some mothers are not suited for breastfeeding. These include people who:

- Have been infected with HIV  (the virus can pass on to the baby)
- Have a serious illness like heart disease or severe anaemia
- Have a serious active infection like tuberculosis
- are receiving radiation (e.g. chemotherapy) or mood-altering drugs. Check with your doctor if you are undergoing any form of treatments or taking medication.
- Have a drug or alcohol addiction.

There are also others who may have low or no milk supply. Common reasons include having had a previous breast surgery, use of hormonal birth control, certain medications and herbs, post-birth complications amongst others. Even stress and insufficient rest can lead to insufficient milk supply.

Regardless, don’t despair if you are unable to breastfeed your child. Many babies grow up into successful adults who are happy, healthy and intelligent even if they grew up on formula milk. Spending time with your baby, and getting him or her to grow up on a healthy diet and physical activity, can easily make up for breastfeeding benefits.