Breastfeeding: A Foundation For A Healthy Start

Mrs. Kemi sat in her living room, rubbing her swollen belly as she listened to her aunt share stories about childbirth. She was only a few weeks away from delivering her first baby, and while she was excited, she was also deeply confused about one thing - how to feed her child properly.

“I heard that if your first milk is yellow, you should throw it away,” her neighbour had said. “It’s dirty and not good for the baby.”

Another relative had warned her, “If you don’t give your baby water, she will be thirsty. Breast milk alone is not enough.”

On social media, she had read conflicting opinions - some women swore by exclusive breastfeeding, while others argued that formula was better. One blog even claimed that breastfeeding could make a baby too ‘clingy’ and dependent on the mother.

As the days passed, Kemi became more anxious. She had no clue what was true or false, and she didn’t know who to trust. She had attended antenatal classes, but they hadn’t covered much on breastfeeding myths, and most of the older women around her insisted that “tradition” was best.

One evening, after another overwhelming conversation with her mother-in-law, she decided to search for reliable information. She stumbled upon an article from The Well Child Initiative about breastfeeding myths and facts. As she read through, she began to realize how much misinformation she had received.

She learned that: 

• The thick yellow milk (colostrum) is actually very important and full of antibodies that protect the baby from infections.

• Babies do not need water for the first six months—breast milk alone is enough to keep them hydrated.

• Breastfeeding helps with bonding but does not make a child overly dependent.

Well, that's what we do at The Well Child Initiative. We bust myths and promote best practices for the raising of a well child 😁. 

BREASTFEEDING: A FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY START

Introduction:

Nutrition plays a key role in early childhood development, especially in infancy when body growth and brain development are at their peak. In the first six months of life, breast milk alone is sufficient to meet all of an infant’s nutritional needs. After this period, the introduction of safe and appropriate complementary foods becomes essential, alongside continued breastfeeding.

As UNICEF states, "Breastfeeding, initiated within the first hour of birth, provided exclusively for six months, and continued up to two years or beyond with the provision of safe and appropriate complementary foods, is one of the most powerful practices for promoting child well-being."

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) affirms, "Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants."

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding refers to the process of feeding a child with milk from the breast, either directly or expressed. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk - no other liquids or solids, not even water - except for oral rehydration solutions, vitamins, minerals, or medicines when medically indicated.

Breastfeeding offers numerous short-term and long-term benefits for both the child and the mother.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Infant

Short-Term Benefits:

Provides complete nutrition: Breast milk meets all the infant’s energy and nutritional needs in the first six months and remains a crucial source of nutrition thereafter.

Strengthens immunity: Breastfeeding lowers the risk of common childhood infections, including diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, otitis media (ear infections), and neonatal sepsis.

Protects preterm babies: It significantly reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious condition affecting the intestines of premature infants. 

Reduces mortality : Breastfed infants have a higher chance of surviving illnesses compared to non-breastfed infants.

Long-Term Benefits:

Boosts brain development: Studies show that breastfed children often perform better on intelligence tests and exhibit improved academic outcomes.

Lowers obesity risk: Breastfed infants are less likely to develop obesity in childhood and adulthood. 

Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease: Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke later in life. 

Strengthens the immune system: Breast milk contains antibodies that continue to support the immune system well beyond infancy. 

Reduces cancer risk: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower likelihood of developing childhood leukemia and lymphoma. 

Lowers allergy risk: Children who are breastfed are less likely to develop allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother

Short-Term Benefits:

Enhances maternal satisfaction:  Breastfeeding fosters an emotional bond between mother and child, reinforcing the maternal connection. 

Convenient and cost-effective: Breast milk is free, always available, and requires no preparation. Yes! This is free, unrivaled, nutritious good food for your baby! 😁

Acts as natural contraception: Exclusive breastfeeding provides about 98% protection against pregnancy for the first six months after delivery. It creates a hormonal effect which often leads to temporary cessation of menstruation (Lactational Amenorrhoea). No pills, no injections—just natural and effective!

Aids postpartum recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size faster and reduces bleeding after delivery. It also promotes a return to pre-pregnancy weight. So yes, breastfeeding can help you get back in shape! 💃🏽

Long-Term Benefits:

Lowers the risk of chronic diseases:  Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. 

Protects against cancer: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Challenges in Breastfeeding and the Need for Support:

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy. Many mothers encounter challenges, such as: 

Difficulty achieving a good latch.

Low milk supply.

Engorged breasts or blocked ducts.

Cracked or sore nipples.

Breast infections like mastitis.

Nursing strikes (when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed).

These challenges highlight difficulties mothers may face when breastfeeding. However, they can be overcome through good support and adequate information on what to do. 

In our upcoming articles, we will share bite-sized guides on how to breastfeed effectively and practical solutions to common challenges. 

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is one of the best investments in a child’s health and development. It provides optimal nutrition, protects against diseases, and offers lifelong health benefits for both mother and child. 

Remember, children are precious gifts with immense potential. With joy and dedication, let’s raise a WELL CHILD!