KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 — Nor Zanariah Azmi, 28, like any other pregnant woman, cannot wait to welcome and celebrate the birth of her child.
Heavily pregnant with her second child, she keeps herself updated on matters pertaining to childbirth and beyond even though she has experience of raising a child.
Nor Zanariah, a clerk at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia, reads magazines and newspapers and watches shows on the television and the Internet to enhance her knowledge pertaining to childbirth and beyond.
While her earlier searches were related to nutrition for pregnant women, her interest has now shifted to breastfeeding techniques.
Usually, first-time mothers worry about the health of their unborn babies, which is why they seek information on foods they should consume.
“However, not many are interested in the various breastfeeding techniques, and this is a mistake. Many (including myself in the past) have the misconception that it is easy to attach a baby’s mouth to the mother’s nipple. In fact, there are a number of techniques to get a baby’s mouth attached to the mother’s nipple,” said Nor Zanariah.
Nor Zanariah spoke to Bernama following a workshop and seminar organised by USIM here recently on the importance of understanding breastfeeding techniques.
The frustration, arising from the inability to provide breast milk for a newborn baby due to the lack of understanding of breastfeeding techniques, is said to be among the major reasons for mothers giving up breastfeeding and turning to formula milk.
UNFOUNDED FEARS SURROUNDING BREASTFEEDING
Lack of knowledge also makes some pregnant women vulnerable, and they are easily swayed by a host of superstitions or ideas that are passed around in their circles, making them more anxious than before.
Among these is a tale about the first milk or colostrum being “spoilt” milk and that it should not be given to babies, said Tengku Azmanira Raja Husin, a counsellor at the National Lactation Centre (NLC).
Colostrum contains essential nutrients and should be given to babies as soon as they are born, as it helps in the formation of the first line of immunity for babies against bacteria, she added.
The production of colostrum starts when the mother is in the seventh month of pregnancy and continues for a few days after her delivery. It has a yellow hue and contains antibodies, which protect a baby against diseases.
People have the misconception that if a mother’s breasts are large, she will produce a large amount of milk. There is also another belief that a mother’s milk is not sufficient for a baby and that the baby should be given water too.
“The post-natal period is a highly challenging time, and therefore, one should have information and practical tips on her fingertips. Pregnant women should therefore be encouraged to prepare themselves mentally by attending breastfeeding workshops.
“From my past experience, there are many who have the knowledge but don’t have any practical training. Only when they give birth do they realise the importance of possessing such knowledge,” Tengku Azmanira said.
WHY FEAR?
Proper breastfeeding is important, and it should not be taken lightly, Tengku Azmanira advised pregnant women.
The nursing period is one of the most precious moments between a child and a mother and is reflective of the strong bond between them.
It could however become a frustrating affair when the mother struggles with feeding the baby without knowing the right technique of breastfeeding and ends up opting for infant formula milk.
If a baby does not latch on to a mother’s breast properly and does not suck efficiently with its mouth covering three-quarter of the areola, the mother could experience immense pain while nursing.
A sore or cracked nipple is a common problem for those nursing for the first time. To avoid this problem, it is important for mothers to adjust to the right position while breastfeeding.
The right position is one in which a baby is able to drink milk efficiently, explained Tengku Azmanira, who also shares breastfeeding techniques on her blog at bidanbersalin.blogspot.com.
SWOLLEN BREASTS
Nipples can hurt when a mother detaches the baby’s mouth from the nipple immediately after a breastfeeding session. Instead, a mother should use her fingers and gently stop the baby’s suction of milk.
Assistant Senior Director of NLC Siti Mariam Ali said breasts could become swollen when mothers do not breastfeed frequently, use the wrong technique, or limit the time of nursing, which results in the reduction of milk outflow and breasts tend to be overfilled with milk.
“Mothers who are working tend to delay expressing their milk. They should not delay as this can lead to swollen breasts, and a wrong message will be sent to the brain, signalling the body to stop producing milk,” she explained.
PRODUCTION OF MILK
What about mothers who produce very little milk? Does it mean that these mothers do not have sufficient milk and need to use instant formula?
Siti Mariam said mothers who face this situation should not worry or give up.
If only a small amount of milk flows during the first few days, mothers should switch to the right technique of breastfeeding.
This will help in encouraging the outflow of milk, and it will lead to an increase in the production of milk.
Eating the right food, and continuing to breastfeed will also increase the production of milk, Tengku Azmanira said.
INVALUABLE GOODNESS
There is no reason for mothers to be afraid of breastfeeding their babies.
The problems that mothers face such as sore nipples and swollen breasts can be prevented by possessing the right information.
With prior preparation, mothers will feel more confident about nursing their babies.
A mother’s milk, with its natural formula of nutrients, is needed for the proper and full development of a baby, and it is also the first immunisation received by a baby.
Breastfeeding is beneficial to both the mother and the child, which is why it is highly encouraged. In fact, programmes such as the Hospital Rakan Bayi (Baby Friendly Hospital) have been launched to promote breastfeeding.
A mother’s milk provides babies with antibodies, which protects the baby against infections. In addition, consumption of a mother’s milk can help prevent infant death and obesity in future, and enable proper brain development.
By breastfeeding, mothers will be able to lower the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In addition, breastfeeding helps to strengthen the bond between mothers and babies.
Mothers who are unable to attend breastfeeding workshops can visit related blogs or seek advice at hospitals and health clinics.
A mother’s milk, an amazing gift given by God, is invaluable and the perfect food for a baby. – Bernama
