The importance of postpartum recovery for successful breastfeeding
Due to a lack of postpartum recovery assistance and knowledge, many new mothers experience difficulties in starting and maintaining healthy breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way to nourish and bond with a new-born baby. However, for many new mothers this is often a challenge.
Postpartum recovery, the physical and emotional process of healing after childbirth, is not often spoken about, but it is hugely important for both the physical and emotional health of new mothers. Many new mothers face challenges in 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 optimizes their ability to breastfeed,” says Kruger.
She offers the following guidelines, which contribute to a positive breastfeeding experience:
- Physical and pain recovery
Rest, rest, rest. Fatigue is real. New mothers should not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Physical recovery is hugely important, as it can take several weeks or months for a woman’s body to fully recover from childbirth. Physical pain is also a reality of the process of birthing a baby, including stitches or a caesarean section operation, which adds to the discomfort for mothers. Medication for pain management is therefore important. Coupled with good nutrition and rest, this increases breastfeeding success.
- 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 helps alleviate stress and anxiety, creating an environment which is conducive for successful breastfeeding. Mothers who are well-rested and nourished 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.
- 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 moms, especially, do not always get latching and breastfeeding techniques right the first time. Be patient with yourself and your baby. If your milk supply is challenging, get in touch with your doctor or nurse at your healthcare clinic for assistance.
Remember, you are not a failure, and it is not your fault if your baby is fussy and not feeding. Help is always on hand, and most nurses are well equipped to assist with breastfeeding, post-partum recovery, proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep hygiene, which all contribute to overall well-being and optimal milk production.
By prioritising comprehensive postpartum support and education, healthcare professionals significantly enhance breastfeeding outcomes.
- 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 are more likely to persist with breastfeeding and navigate difficulties successfully.
When mothers prioritise their own well-being, they can establish and maintain a healthy milk supply, ensuring their infants receive sufficient nourishment, which contributes 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.
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