Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all

Breastfeeding is an act of feeding an infant or a child directly from the mother’s breast. There are tons of benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby as it helps to tackle various serious cases in the long run. Breast milk contains optimal nutrition, which provides an essential amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and antibodies to protect against various infectious diseases. It is rich in antibodies and immunoglobulins, which support the immune system of a child. Breast milk is easily digestible as it helps to prevent various gastrointestinal disorders. Various researches have shown that breastfeed babies have lower risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancers, respiratory infections later in life. Breastfeeding contributes to newborns’ physical and mental development apart from acting as a natural contraceptive, which helps mothers in birth spacing. Breastfeeding creates a bonding between a mother and a child where they get connected emotionally. It is the cost-free source that benefits both the mother and the child. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every Aug 1-7. The theme of Breastfeeding Week 2024 is ‘Closing the gap. Breastfeeding support for all.’ The theme guides us about the practices of breastfeeding and equal participation in supporting the mothers. This year’s theme is aimed at ensuring equitable access to breastfeeding support for all mothers and families, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or location. According to the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 report, 55 percent of children aged 0-23 months engaged in early initiation of breastfeeding whereas only 56 percent of children under six months were exclusively breastfeed. 

Looking at the table, we can observe that Nepal is not in a good phase as we need to work a lot and guide people about breastfeeding and its importance. The scenario is different today, due to modernization and working environment, mothers are more into work and children are suffering due to it. Maternity leave should be encouraged and the government as well as private sectors should be concerned about it. 

 

Investing in first 1,000 days

For mothers/primary caregivers of children aged 6-23 months, continue to breastfeed until your child is two years old, or beyond. Breast milk provides important nutrients, energy, and protection from illness and allergies, supporting healthy growth and development.

At six months, start feeding thick soft foods. Gradually introduce a variety of minced or mashed vegetables and egg/ fish/chicken/meat to enrich your baby’s porridge, feed fish/egg/chicken/meat at least once daily. Gradually increase the variety, frequency, amount and thickness of the food. For one year, give at least five food groups in every meal. 

Actively feed your baby. Avoid use of feeding bottles, gently and patiently encourage your baby to eat. Don’t force feed. Minimize other distractions.

Avoid giving young children sugary drinks and biscuits, tea, coffee, flavored milk, processed meat (such as sausages) or deep-fried foods.

ANC, PNC healthcare providers

• Routinely provide key messages and guidance at ANC and PNC contact points
• Be a positive model. Promote optimal dietary and feeding practices within the wider community

Pregnant and lactating women

• Eat a variety of foods every day from at least four food groups during pregnancy and lactation periods
• Before and during pregnancy, take folic acid and iron supplements, as recommended by the healthcare provider
• Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking water often helps reduce the risk of constipation from taking iron tablets

Up to six months after birth

• Put your baby to the breast immediately after birth
• Continue to feed only breast milk for the first six months of life
• Express your milk when you and your baby are separated following birth
• Breastfeed frequently when your baby demands, day and night, to build up your milk supply

Both the parents should be equally aware about the consequences of formula milk and also discuss time management skills. Father also plays an equal role in supporting the breastfeeding mother, he should know the importance of breastfeeding and how it impacts the health of his wife and a child. Family members play a crucial role in the health of the mother and the child, so they need to know about it and guide her if needed.

The author is nutritionist and dietician