It is indeed every parent’s dream to see their child grow to be healthy and strong, and for a newborn breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to promote the baby’s health and development.
Before deciding on the type of milk to give their baby, parents, especially mothers, are encouraged to consider breastfeeding as the first choice due to its numerous benefits for both mother and child. However, according to the World Health Organisation, only 44% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed from 2015-2020.
To fully benefit from breastfeeding, it is recommended for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their newborn for the first six months and continue breastfeeding until the baby is two years old. Exclusive breastfeeding means the baby receives only breast milk, with no additional food or drink.
Advantages of Breastfeeding
Dr. Vicky Ho Miaw Ping, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gynaecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), emphasised that breastfeeding offers substantial benefits to both mother and baby.
Studies have shown that breast milk, especially colostrum, is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that support the baby’s immune system, growth and digestive function. Colostrum, the first form of milk produced during pregnancy and immediately after birth, is highly beneficial for babies due to its high content of protein, minerals, vitamins and antibodies, which aid in building a baby’s immune system.
Besides that, Dr Vicky also mentioned that skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding helps to stabilise the baby’s body temperature and calm the baby down, giving them a sense of security.
On the other hand, the benefits of breastfeeding begin right after birth for mothers. Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contraction and in turn prevents postpartum haemorrhage, is produced as the baby suckles on the mother’s breast. Breastfeeding also can lower the mother’s lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer,” she explained.
Early Breastfeeding Preparation Can Start Before Birth
Interestingly, Dr Vicky shared that breastfeeding preparation can commence as early as 37 weeks into pregnancy. Expecting mothers are encouraged to attend antenatal classes where experts share valuable information and prepare them in anticipation of the arrival of their bundle of joy. In addition, the soon-to-be mother can also perform gentle breast massage to stimulate milk glands to enhance milk production.
“After delivery, adequate water intake is essential for the mother to avoid dehydration which may reduce breastmilk production. Adequate hydration also prevents mothers from thrombosis (blood clotting problem) and to support safe breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should also adhere to balanced and nutritious diet, including essential nutrients such as calcium and iron, which depletes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Adequate rest to recover, and management of physical, emotional and mental stress, also play an important role in their breastfeeding journey,” said Dr. Vicky.
Fortunately, the current public perception on breastfeeding has significantly improved. Modern lifestyles demanding increased activity from mothers no longer post a hindrance to breastfeeding. The presence of breastfeeding-friendly attire, nursing covers, and designated lactation areas in public spaces like shopping centres and workplaces demonstrates the expanding public recognition of the significance of breastfeeding and its advantages for both mothers and infants.
Breastfeeding challenges
However, in some cases, breastfeeding can be challenging for mothers, among others:
1. Psychological and emotional
- Traumatic birth experience
- Disappointment from not being able to breastfeed baby adequately – breastfeeding mothers should be made aware that this may not be entirely true. A small volume of breast milk may be all that is needed for one feed due to the limited capacity of the baby’s stomach. What’s more important is to breastfeed on demand.
2. Physical
- Discomfort from the childbirth wound
- Cracked nipple, wounds around the areola, blocked glands, and mastitis are common amongst breastfeeding mothers, especially when their breastfeeding technique is incorrect
3. Support from husband and family
- Lack of understanding and support from family/husband
- Husband may help to feed the baby using pumped breast milk, allowing the mother to get adequate rest to recover
“Mothers experiencing pain or discomfort in the breast, nipple, neck or back during breastfeeding can enhance their comfort by ensuring the baby is positioned correct. Popular positions like the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, or side lying position can help. It is essential for the baby’s mouth to be properly positioned in the areola with the lower lip turned outward on the breast. The mother should align the baby’s head with their body to facilitate proper suckling and swallowing. To alleviate neck and back pain, the mother should maintain an upright sitting position with a small pillow supporting their back or neck,” advised Dr Vicky.
Although breastfeeding is highly encouraged, it may not be suitable for all mothers. Among the factors that make breastfeeding challenging to the mothers are certain conditions, for example, having undergone mastectomy surgery due to breast cancer. Alternatively, breastfeeding is possible if one healthy breast is still present.
Dr Vicky added, breastfeeding is also discouraged in some conditions, such as HIV and tuberculosis infection, or if the mother is taking certain medication, such as psychotropic, antimetabolites or chemotherapy. It is important to consult a doctor on the safety profile of all medications during breastfeeding period.
In certain circumstances, some babies may not be able to be breastfeed effectively. This includes babies with conditions such as cleft lip and palate, tongue tie, or those born prematurely before 34 weeks. Mothers of baby with metabolic disorders or those needing admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) should also consult their doctor before initiating breastfeeding.
As the largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia, SMC is ranked among the top 250 hospitals in the Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2024 and is the leading hospital for paediatric care in Malaysia according to the Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific Newsweek 2024 ranking.
The medical centre features 28 Centres of Excellence, including the Child Health and Development Centre. It is active in organising programmes for healthcare practitioners and community, such as the SunMed Paediatric Symposium 2024 and World Breastfeeding Week Workshop held recently.
