World Breastfeeding Week 2022: Breastfeeding is the most important and effective way to ensure the health, survival, growth and development of the newborn. It is the ideal nutrition for babies as breast milk contains all the essential components that are needed for survival and growth. Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby. Additionally, it protects the mother and the baby from various diseases and ailments. As women join the workforce, new mothers face many issues balancing breastfeeding and their professional lives. After the maternity leave is over, mothers need to ensure that they continue to breastfeed for the well being of their child and ensure that they do not skip it due to their busy schedule.
Below are some tips and benefits of breastfeeding-
Advice
- If you are taking your baby to the office, make sure to take enough breaks to breastfeed at regular intervals. Follow a schedule for breastfeeding or pumping and schedule your breaks accordingly.
- Ask your managers if they have a private area for breastfeeding or pumping and don’t use the toilet for it
- You can make your child addicted to bottles. Use a breast pump and store the milk and give it to the baby once or twice a day before going back to work.
- Dress comfortably and appropriately for breastfeeding or pumping and make sure you carry items such as breast pads or extra bottles for storing milk.
- If your baby is staying at home with a caregiver, make sure to keep an adequate stock of breastmilk in the refrigerator.
- Connect with an experienced employee in the workplace who has been in your shoes and ask them for tips and tricks.
benefits
You will be less likely to get certain types of cancer
Research shows that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and breast cancer, later in life. It also helps reduce the prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and arthritis.
Builds a better relationship with your child
Many new moms experience postpartum depression, which can interfere with their daily lives. It has been observed that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop postpartum depression than women who do not. Oxytocin and prolactin, two naturally calming hormones produced by breastfeeding, help nursing mothers feel less stressed and happier. It also enhances self-esteem, confidence and calmness. The bond between mother and child is strengthened on a physical and emotional level. Increasing breastfeeding leads to increased holding, stroking and skin-to-skin contact. It nurtures relationships during the first few years of life and helps both mother and child reduce behavioral and social problems.
quick recovery from postpartum
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps shrink the uterus to its normal size and prevents blood loss. It also helps in reducing pregnancy weight faster and maintaining a healthy weight in the long run.
Most mothers rank their satisfaction with being a mother because of breastfeeding. A unique emotional experience is created for mother and baby during breastfeeding, nurturing a strong emotional and physical connection. In the absence of medical conditions that prevent this, health professionals urge breastfeeding for as long as is possible for everyone. Antibodies and other components in breast milk protect your baby from illness and chronic disease. Be patient and request help if you need it. Although it requires a lot of labor initially, the benefits are worth it!
(This article is credited to Dr. Anupama D, Consultant Gynecologist, Connect & Heal,
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not represent the views of India TV)
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