Just a few days ago, the benefits of breastfeeding was highlighted. I would like us to keep the focus on breastfeeding as we enter October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Many Jamaicans know of someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is so because this is a leading cancer in women. We all as women wish there was some panacea to make this cancer history. The fight for the cure continues and we are constantly provided with evidence which guides us in making the right choices concerning our risks, early detection and treatment.
A body of evidence recently realised by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research concludes that there is strong evidence that breastfeeding lowers the risk of cancers in both mother and child. The evidence is convincing that breastfeeding protects women from developing breast cancer, both before and after menopause. The protection increases the longer the woman breast feeds.
It is believed that the lower production of oestrogens during breastfeeding is protective against breast cancer and also the shedding of breast tissue and epithelial cells during breastfeeding can rid the breast of cells with DNA damage.
Even with this evidence about the power of breastfeeding, many mothers do not breastfeed and others offer token amounts to the worthy infants. They instead offer other sources of feed or stop short of the recommended exclusive six months, possibly continuing to two years with complementary foods.
Many mothers face real challenges, all of which can be reduced or removed with the correct information and support, especially from family, health workers and other mothers.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Challenges & recommended guidelines
Sore nipples
This usually is the result of improper positioning of the baby and thus improper latching onto the breast. The baby, when held in the arm, should be supported with front facing mother directly and mouth wide open grasping not just the nipple but the larger darkened circle (called the areola) which covers the milk ducts. The baby's sucking motion helps to express the milk.
Engorged breast
This is typical in the first few days. It can be frightening and painful if the mother does not manage this properly. Allow the baby to feed at the breast, emptying one before moving to the other.
Do not provide another source of feed - express and store any excess milk. The support of an experienced mother and/or health worker makes the experience less stressful.
Not producing enough milk
In the first few hours to a day, the production of fluid from the breast is minimal as colostrums, which is produced in small amounts, is high calorie and can meet the baby's needs. Milk is produced on demand. There are instances, such as with sick or weak babies, when additional guidance must be sought from the health team.
Going back to work
Express and allow the caregiver to feed from a cup in preparation for going back to work. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 10 hours and for longer periods in the refrigerator and freezer.
Do not boil, but reheat in a warm water bath to preserve the powerful health-promoting antibodies.
Mothers, breastfeed your prized possessions, the benefits are tremendous for you both.