Breastfeeding- a beautiful challenge for some

‘That initial latch was amazing’- Robin Paulse (registered dietitian)

Breastmilk has been dubbed liquid gold and rightly so. The breastmilk a mother produces has benefits that cannot be replicated in a lab, even after more than 100 years of trying. Breastmilk adapts to the age and needs of the baby to ensure optimal growth.

Benefits of breastfeeding for Baby include:

·         Decreased risk of mortality.

·         Increased immunity for Baby.

·         Availability of probiotics.

However, it doesn’t only benefit Baby, benefits for Mom include:

·         Protection against certain chronic diseases such as breast cancer and diabetes.

·         It assists in post-pregnancy weight loss.

Besides all these benefits, breastfeeding is also convenient—always the correct temperature and always hygienic (if mom washes regularly). It promotes bonding between mom and baby and is always available. Dietitians and other healthcare professionals advocate for exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, before complementary feeding (introducing solids).

Formula milk may be second-best but many consider it to be the easier option, especially in a society where breastfeeding in public has many mixed reviews. In our most recent podcast episode, ‘Breastfeeding experiences of SA moms’, some moms chose to formula feed due to lack of storage for expressed breastmilk or breastfeed in hot cars during summer months.

Ways to breastfeed:

1.    Traditional breastfeeding.

2.    Expressing and let Dad or another member of your support structure feed immediately.

3.    Express and freeze for later use.

Dietitian and mother, Robin Paulse, was one of the moms who would sit in a hot car to breastfeed, attempting to (privately) continue exclusively breastfeeding her daughter after a difficult NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) journey. When unable to breastfeed traditionally, there are alternatives available. For more stories on the breastfeeding journies of South African women, check out our podcast episode at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nLabP1wGz9Q2xEHVGl2UX?si=D5uVQhEPSIKymjnYDxUVLA .

So, in a world with so many barriers, encourage moms to breastfeed wherever and whenever baby wants to. It may be something small to you, but to that mom and baby, it may help them choose the breast for the rest of their infant journey.

Shelldon Athena Breda, registered dietitian, M.Sc.