Lactation consultant shares the importance of breastfeeding

August 1 to 7 was World Breastfeeding Week.

This week focused on encouraging breastfeeding and improving the health of babies around the world.

The objectives of the week were to emphasise the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in order to improve exclusive and continued breastfeeding; to highlight the role of the family, the community, healthcare workers, employers and public places in creating an enabling environment that supports breastfeeding; to inform people about the new sustainable development goals (SDGs) and how they relate to breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding (IYCF); and to influence attitudes and behaviours of the public to recognise that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is the norm and the optimal way of feeding an infant for optimal growth and development.

The EXPRESS spoke to a lactation consultant from The Motherhood Effect, Timor Lifschitz, about the importance of breastfeeding and challenges that mothers face with breastfeeding.

The mother of two said it doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time mom or having your second child, breastfeeding can be a challenge.

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“I had challenges with breastfeeding with my second baby and it really made me want to help other mothers who might be going through the same challenges. People always say it’s a natural thing, but for some mothers it’s really difficult and they end up feeling guilty about the whole experience,” said Lifschitz.

She said every breastfeeding experience is different. The important thing is for the mother and baby to be comfortable during the whole experience.

“If you are uncomfortable during the breastfeeding experience and if the baby is not calm during the process, then something is wrong,” said Lifschitz.

As a lactation consultant, Lifschitz is trained to teach mothers how to feed their baby.

She assists them with latching difficulties, painful nursing and low milk production.

A lactation consultant also helps babies who aren’t gaining enough weight.

“The consultation usually takes two hours and during that process I observe what the mother does during feeding and how the baby reacts to the process. Some mothers can decide that breastfeeding is not for them and some with the right support end up enjoying it,” said Lifschitz.

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She said breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and the baby.

“Breastfeeding has a number of benefits. For the mother it means better healing post-delivery. When the baby nurses it helps the uterus contract, reducing post-delivery blood loss. Plus, breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly. It is also a vaccine for the infant as babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies. The milk is custom-made for the baby as formula isn’t able to change its constitution, but breast milk morphs to meet your baby’s changing needs. There is colostrum or ‘pre-milk’ that comes in after you deliver. This milk is full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby.

“It’s also higher in protein and lower in sugar than ‘full’ milk, so even a small amount can hold off your baby’s hunger,” said Lifschitz.

She explained that to develop a healthy breastfeeding partner, a baby needs to feed often.

“Your baby needs a minimum of eight to 10 feeds in 24 hours, especially in the early weeks after birth,” said Lifschitz.

She said there are signs mothers can look out for to tell if the baby is feeding correctly or not.

“You can tell if the baby is feeding correctly after a few short and frequent sucks to stimulate milk flow, your baby begins to swallow. Sucking will become slower, deeper and more rhythmic, with rest periods between each sucking. As the feeding progresses you can hear or see your baby swallowing,” said Lifschitz.

She shared some tips on how to breastfeed:

• Make sure you are sitting comfortably and are well supported.

• Hold your baby close to you, facing your chest.

• Position your baby on his/her side with his/her nose opposite your nipple.

• Support your breast from underneath.

• Position your fingers well back from the nipple so your baby is able to take a big mouthful of breast tissue.

• Touch your baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage your baby to open his/her mouth wide.

• Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open, bring your baby closer to the breast, chin first.

• Continue to support your breast until your baby is sucking and swallowing in a deep, rhythmic pattern.

• If you experience pain once your baby has commenced swallowing, take your baby off and re-attach.

• Remember to insert a clean finger between the baby’s gums to break the seal when taking your baby off the breast.

If you need support or need more info on breastfeeding, you can contact Timor Lifschitz on 072 122 2159 or like the page @TheMotherhoodEffect