The month of August is observed as the National Breastfeeding Month where the nations all over the world take time to support the immense value and virtue of breastfeeding to the babies, mothers, and the society. This year, under its theme, Empowering Mothers, Nurturing Healthier Futures Together, the theme highlights the power of support systems and communities that are well-informed of knowledge as being able to empower women so that they can make stronger options in regards to infant feedings and, in turn, provide a healthier generation next.
Breastfeeding is to the essentials of the population health and it poses numerous benefits that spread over much further than the early childhood period. As far as babies are concerned, breast milk is the best food and it has all the nutrients found in the requisite proportions. It is full of antibodies that guard against childhood diseases such as ear infections, respiratory infection, and diarrheas. Research always indicates that breastfeeding reduces the infant risks of developing SIDS, asthma, allergies, obesity, and type 2 diabetes at adulthood.
It benefits mothers in terms of great health monetarily too. Breastfeeding also aids in the uterus contraction to its pre-pregnancy size quicker thus postpartum bleeding is shorter. It has the potential to reduce the possibility of breast and ovarian cancer and diabetes type 2 as well as cardiovascular disease. Other than the physical, breastfeeding builds the special relationship between the child and the mother to ensure both are emotionally satisfied.
Breastfeeding may not achieve recommendations, despite the obvious and pertinent benefits to it. Lack of adequate support in the family and in their work, societal expectations, misinformation and poor access to skilled lactation support are just a few of the complex of challenges faced by many mothers especially in the first few weeks.
This includes establishment of supportive settings in hospitals, home and in workplace. Baby-friendly hospitals are able to achieve the goal by engaging in baby-friendly programs stressed upon skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding initiation. Families are important and able to provide both practical and emotional support.
Employers may offer flexible work arrangements, as well as designated pumping spaces that can allow mothers to go on breastfeeding after returning to work. Education will empower mothers with evidence-based information regarding breastfeeding practices, common difficulties, and available resources.
The “together” aspect of this year’s theme calls attention to the shared responsibility among us in creating breastfeeding-friendly communities and societies. This journey is not just mother’s journey; it is community journey. Each of us – healthcare providers to policy makers, employer, community have a role to play in encouraging every mother who chooses to breastfeed to have the encouragement and resources in place to be successful.
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Investing in breastfeeding support is an investment on public health. Healthy babies leads to reduced doctor visits and hospitalizations leading to reduced healthcare costs. Supported mothers lead to healthier babies and to productive workers and stronger communities. When we come together, we can normalize breastfeeding, recognize the importance of breastfeeding, and build the future needed for every child to have his or her best possible start in life, and so that every mother knows she has support and respect for her breastfeeding choices. National Breastfeeding Month can serve as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to breastfeeding together.
