Midwives at Bradford Teaching Hospitals are celebrating World Breastfeeding Week which runs from 1-7 August by promoting the benefits of breast milk.
The NHS recognises that while breastfeeding can be tough, it is the best option for both mother and baby as formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness and does not give mum any health benefits.
In these pandemic times, the immunity that the baby receives from the mother’s natural breast milk can only be a bonus as it helps build protection against many illnesses and ailments.
Infant feeding co-ordinator and specialist midwife, Rea Halstead, who is based at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), said: “Breast milk has many benefits and in this COVID-19 era we should do all in our power to protect and do our best for our babies to give them the best start in life.
“By feeding your baby breast milk, you are helping transfer natural immunity from mother to child and this, in turn, can reduce the likelihood or severity of many illnesses as the baby inherits protection from the mother’s immune systems through the milk.
“Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally to mums as it is a learned skill for both mums and babies so it can take time and effort to master but there’s lots of support and help out there so that mums can persevere and babies can reap the benefits.”
Nearly 70% of the 5,500 women who give birth at BRI each year breastfeed their babies initially, but nurse Halstead would like this to be even higher.
“My role is to help protect and support women’s choices when it comes to feeding and hopefully from September, we will re-start feeding clinics and host drop-in sessions for new mums,” nurse Halstead added.
“This World Breastfeeding Week, we are also focusing on how partners, the wider family and healthcare colleagues here at the hospital can support new mothers to breastfeed.
“Breastmilk is specifically designed for your baby and also helps build a strong emotional bond between a mother and baby.
“The emotional and practical help a woman receives from the people around her can make a huge difference to the breastfeeding experience and the opportunity to bond with the new baby.
“Colostrum: the nutrient-rich fluid produced by a woman immediately after giving birth, is absolutely amazing, it is loaded with immune, growth and tissue repair factors, and is perfectly made by a woman’s body for that specific baby.
“Knowing that babies feed little and often because their tummies are as small as a marble in the first few days is essential in managing feeding expectations in the early days and weeks.”
Throughout the awareness week, nurse Halstead and her colleagues will be promoting the support available locally for those who are breastfeeding and for those who are considering breastfeeding their baby.
The NHS advises that giving nothing but breast milk is recommended for about the first 6 months (26 weeks) of a baby’s life.
After that, giving the baby breast milk alongside solid foods for as long as mum and baby want will help them grow and develop healthily. Breast milk also adapts as the baby grows to meet the baby’s changing needs.
Long term benefits of breastfeeding can lead to higher IQ, especially if breastfed exclusively and for a longer period of time as well have a lower risk of obesity later in life.
Children and adults who were breastfed have a lower rate of food allergies, asthma, eczema, Celiac Disease, and Type I and Type II diabetes, among others.
Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for mum. In the short term, breastfeeding releases the “love” hormone, oxytocin, in the mother, which improves the bonding between mother and baby. The release of oxytocin after birth also aids in contracting the uterus to prevent postpartum haemorrhage and to reduce the uterus to pre-pregnancy size.
Women also have a decreased risk of iron deficiency and anaemia while nursing and the chance of becoming pregnant is greatly reduced.
The long term benefits of breastfeeding include a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis (weak bones), cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
BRI is also working towards the Unicef UK Baby Friendly accreditation and has put a Baby Friendly Guardian, in place, executive director Mark Holloway, who is responsible for ensuring that all new facilities are in line with creating a baby-friendly and breastfeeding-friendly environment.
The Baby Friendly Initiative offers an evidence-based approach to supporting breastfeeding and good infant nutrition, and helping parents to develop close and loving relationships with their babies.
Feature image by: Aditya Romansa via Unsplash.
