Importance of postpartum recovery for successful breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way to nourish and bond with a newborn baby, yet often a challenge for new mothers.

Postpartum recovery, the physical and emotional process of healing after childbirth, is not often spoken about but is important for the physical and emotional health of new mothers.

Many new mothers face challenges with establishing and maintaining successful breastfeeding due to a lack of postpartum recovery support and education.

During this year’s Breastfeeding Week, Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City’s National Clinic executive is shining the spotlight on the importance of postpartum recovery education and its impact on breastfeeding outcomes.

“This year’s theme ‘Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents’, presents the perfect opportunity to raise awareness on postpartum recovery and offer advice that supports mothers and optimises their ability to breastfeed,” says Kruger.

She offers guidelines which contribute to a positive breastfeeding experience.

1. Physical and pain recovery

Fatigue is real. New mothers should not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. It can take several weeks or months for a woman’s body to recover from childbirth.

Physical pain is also a reality – birthing a baby, including stitches or a caesarean section operation adds to discomfort for mothers. Medication for pain management is therefore important. Coupled with good nutrition and rest, this increases breastfeeding success.

2. Emotional Support

Equally important is emotional well-being, which plays a significant role in breastfeeding. Supportive partners, family members and healthcare providers can offer emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance, which help alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a conducive environment for successful breastfeeding.

Well-rested and nourished mothers are more likely to have more energy to produce an ample milk supply and effectively breastfeed their infants. Well-informed mothers are more likely to approach breastfeeding with confidence and have a higher chance of success.

3. Healthcare professionals, a helping hand

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in postpartum recovery support and education by providing personalised guidance, addressing concerns, offering practical tips and referring mothers to additional resources as needed.

New mums especially do not always get latching and breastfeeding techniques the first time. Be patient with yourself and your baby. If your milk supply is challenging, contact your doctor or nurse at the healthcare clinic for assistance.

Remember you are not a failure and that it is not your fault if the baby is fussy and not feeding. Help is always on hand. Most nurses are well-equipped to assist with breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep hygiene, contributing to well-being and optimal milk production.

By prioritising comprehensive postpartum support and education, healthcare professionals significantly enhance breastfeeding outcomes.

4. Building confidence

Postpartum recovery support and education help instil confidence in new mothers, empowering them to overcome breastfeeding challenges. Mothers who feel well-supported and knowledgeable will be more likely to persist with breastfeeding and navigate difficulties successfully.

When mothers prioritise their well-being, they can establish and maintain a healthy milk supply, ensuring their infants receive sufficient nourishment contributing to prolonged breastfeeding.

Mothers who receive the necessary support and education are more likely to breastfeed exclusively and continue breastfeeding for the recommended duration, providing their infants with optimal health benefits.