Baby care has been provided best in the past years to women and toddlers through the act of breastfeeding. This involves the mothers breastfeeding their infants and all health practitioners recommend it to women. The Royal Medical Center in the city of Abu Dhabi works to promote breastfeeding and assists women during the whole period of their breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding – What is it?
Breastfeeding is a peculiar practice of bringing a mother and her limb infant together such that the infant suckles from the mother’s breast containing essential nutrients and immune factors apart from the mother-infant emotional bonding attachment. Infants suck and extract milk that is produced specifically for the infants’ well-being and nutritional requirements.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
The Nutritional Superiority of Breast Milk
Breast milk is referred to as "liquid gold" because it possesses the most superior nutritional composition. It is adapted to the needs of the newborn, balancing nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies in perfect harmony for growth and development.
- Nutrient Completion: Human breast milk is constituted so fine that it contains the proper amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and water perfect for an infant to have inside his system to meet all nutritional requirements for healthy growth.
- Immunological Benefits: There are lots of antibodies in breast milk, and the most abundant is Immunoglobulin A. These help in keeping the babies away from infections and diseases. These also contain white blood cells and other immune factors, which lead to the development of the baby's immune system.
- Digestibility: As compared to formula, breast milk is much easier for a baby to digest. Thus, it minimizes a great deal of distress associated with digestive disorders. Common digestive disorders include colic, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Health Benefits for the Infant
The individual health benefits to the infant due to breastfeeding are deep and long-standing, setting a base not only in the development during infancy but also in his health for life thereafter.
- Reduced Risk of Infections: Breastfeeding will significantly lower the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections in infants. The antibodies and immune cells in the breast milk provide passive immunity against the pathogenic agents.
- Lower Risk of Chronic Conditions: In many conditions, it is found that breastfeeding leads to a lower incidence of chronic conditions, such as but not limited to asthma, allergies, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of childhood cancers.
- Better Cognitive Development: There is also a strong association that exists between breastfeeding and higher cognitive development in infants, along with a greater intelligence quotient.
- Attachment and Emotional Security: Breastfeeding provides a connection between the mother and the infant. Skin-to-skin contact and eye-to-eye contact during breastfeeding enhance maternal-infant bonding and provide a sense of security and comfort to the baby.
Maternal Health Benefits
Breast milk is not only beneficial for the babies but also advantageous for the mothers to achieve major health benefits.
- Faster postpartum recovery: Breastfeeding can help the uterus shrink back sooner to the pre-pregnant size because of its stimulation, which promotes contractions in the uterus. This reduces bleeding after childbirth and, at the same time, speeds up recovery with the release of the oxytocin hormone during breastfeeding.
- Lower Risk of Cancer of the Breast and Ovary: A longer period of exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of cancers of the breast and ovaries in women.
- Lower risk of osteoporosis: There is an association of breastfeeding with lower risks of osteoporosis and hip fractures in later years. This is because breastfeeding regulates the level of calcium within the body to provide stronger bones.
- Natural Birth Control: Though not foolproof, breastfeeding has been used as a natural method of birth control called lactational amenorrhea. It works most successfully when the breastfeeding is exclusive- meaning the baby only receives breast milk with no supplemental foods or formula.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
The emotional and psychological benefits of breastfeeding are rich and diverse, reaching much beyond physical health for both mother and child.
- Stress Reduction: The mechanics of breastfeeding stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," which relaxes and decreases the levels of stress in mothers.
- Confidence and Empowerment: The ability to successfully breastfeed generally enhances the mother's confidence and sense of accomplishment. It tends to reinforce her ability to take care of her child, therefore instilling a positive self-image and a great deal of empowerment.
- Attachment and Bonding: The close physical and emotional contact of the child to the mother, through breastfeeding, increases their bonding through a deep sense of mutual trust.
Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Though natural, there is nothing easy about breastfeeding. Every mother, on this journey of breastfeeding, would go through a lot of challenges on her way. These challenges can all be easily overcome with proper support and guidance.
Normal Challenges:
- Latch Issues: Inability to latch the baby on the breast can lead to sore nipples and poor transfer of milk. Proper positioning and latch techniques should help with the problem.
- Insufficient Milk Supply: One of the major fears is not having enough milk for the baby. The frequency of breastfeeding, keeping oneself hydrated, and perhaps seeing a lactation consultant will enhance milk production.
- Breast Engorgement: When the milk supply is more than what the baby needs, the breasts tend to be swollen, painful and becomes hard. Regular breastfeeding, expressing milk, and cold compresses will help reduce discomfort.
- Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue often arising after a blocked milk duct. It can be painful and swollen, accompanied by a general feeling of unwellness and raised temperature.
Support Systems:
- Certified Consultants: At Royal Medical Center, our certified consultants provide personalized support to help mothers navigate breastfeeding-related challenges.
- Breastfeeding Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide emotional encouragement and shared experiences with other breastfeeding mothers.
- Educational Resources: Access to reliable information through workshops, classes, and literature can empower mothers with the knowledge and confidence needed for successful breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Returning to work during breastfeeding is very challenging; however, with some effective planning and support, it is possible to continue with breast milk for your baby.
Plan Ahead:
- Expressing Milk: Learning to express and store breast milk before returning to work ensures that your baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk even when you are away.
- Flexible Schedules: You may negotiate work schedules, hours, or breaks with the employer to continue to breastfeed or express milk at work.
- Maintaining Milk Supply: While at work, pumping during the day is extremely vital, together with breastfeeding directly upon arrival home, to maintain your milk supply.
The Role of Partners and Family in Supporting Breastfeeding
Support from a partner and family is an essential part of successful breastfeeding. Indeed, their encouragement and involvement can make a large difference in whether the mother will be able to breastfeed effectively.
- Emotional Support: Partners and family members can provide emotional support by reassuring the mother, helping to reduce stress, and promoting a positive breastfeeding environment.
- Practical Help: Assisting with household chores, caring for older children, and ensuring the mother has time to rest can help her focus on breastfeeding. Practical support helps reduce the physical and mental load on the mother, making breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience.
- Education and Participation: It helps in understanding the process and being involved in the decision-making about breastfeeding, which will consolidate the family bonding and ensure the same page for everyone in the family.
Breastfeeding in Public: Rights and Comfort
Public breastfeeding is considered a natural right and is legally protected in many countries, including the UAE.
- Legal rights: UAE law grants the right to all breastfeeding mothers to be able to do so in public areas freely, with said law not tolerating discrimination against such mothers.
- Building Confidence: It takes time for many moms to build their confidence while feeding in public. Moms can practice at home with varied clothing and positions to know what works best for them.
Royal Medical Centre Commitment to Breastfeeding Support
At the Royal Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, we support and promote breastfeeding as the best start for your baby. Comprehensive support services for breastfeeding are designed to help both a primiparous and multiparous mother.
- Expert Consultation: Our certified experts are available for one-on-one consultations, offering you personal advice and support unique to your breastfeeding experience.
- Programs in Education: Our educational programs are designed to empower a mother with knowledge and confidence for the conduct of successful breastfeeding.
- Community Outreach: We actively engage with the community to raise awareness regarding breastfeeding and offer support to mothers and families.
Conclusion
The powerful and natural way of breastfeeding nourishes your baby with unparalleled health benefits while fostering an emotional bond between mother and child. It may be a bit challenging on this journey, but the rewards are great.
We are committed to guiding you through every step professionally with compassionate care in a nurturing environment at the Royal Medical Center, thereby assuring you of a successful and positive experience in breastfeeding.
Welcome to your breastfeeding experience, knowing very well that this path taken is giving your baby the most excellent start. Let us strive together to build a healthy, enriching experience in the concept of breastfeeding, which empowers you with a healthy and happy future for both you and your baby.
