Articles

BREASTFEEDING IN THE INFORMATION AGE
by Barbara Boland, Lactation Consultant

Ireland is becoming a more breastfeeding-friendly society. Our initiation rate of 39% of mothers breastfeeding - trailing well behind our European counterparts - is steadily rising. Moves by the Health Authorities are taking place to ensure that all mothers know about the huge benefits of breastfeeding, and conditions in maternity units are becoming more conducive to the needs of breastfeeding mothers.

This has not always been the case. Until relatively recently, it was not generally considered a priority that babies be breastfed. The public was often mis-informed when it came to making informed decisions regarding infant feeding. Indeed it was almost expected that breastfeeding would not work out, that somehow the perfect nature of milk designed for human babies, directly delivered through human breasts would only cause problems! The last couple of generations of Irish mothers and babies sadly missed out on the wonderfully enjoyable experience of breastfeeding.

RAISING AWARENESS
'Breastfeeding in the Information Age' was last years' theme for World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated in 120 countries worldwide from Aug 1-7. (Ireland celebrated National Breastfeeding Week in October). Raising awareness through the media about the innumerable benefits of breastfeeding for everyone -mothers, babies, families and communities - allows parents to make truly informed decisions regarding infant feeding and care.

BENEFITS
In a recent Irish survey, mothers were asked why they thought breastfeeding was best. Many had a good idea of some of the benefits to babies - e.g. protection from illnesses, reduced risk of diarrhea, less chance of respiratory infections, and ear and urinary infections. Some mothers knew there are also protections against digestive upsets, SIDS, as well as less risk of obesity.

What was surprising was the lack of information these women had regarding how breastfeeding benefits them. They were not aware that:
• Blood loss after the birth is lessened by breastfeeding.
• The uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy shape faster.
• Breastfeeding also protects against many diseases such as osteoporosis and pre-menopausal breast cancer.
• Protection against ovarian cancer.
• There is also less need for dieting, as breastfeeding burns calories!

Artificial feeding offers none of these protections.
In a world where women lead increasingly busier live, breastfeeding can be a calm oasis in a hectic day. The relaxing effect of the hormones released into the bloodstream -prolactin and oxytocin - are better than a tipple of wine any day! With no time given to preparing feeds and heating and sterilising equipment, precious time can be better spent enjoying your baby.

INFORMATION
Breastfeeding in the information age means that not only do we have more means of communication available to us, but also more means of accessing information from a wider variety of sources.

Whatever you are told about breastfeeding, whether from scare-mongering friends and family, or inadequately informed health professionals, can all be double and treble-checked through recommended internet sites, local breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants and public health nurses.

One of the potentially most effective projects to ensure mothers and babies are fully supported in initiating breastfeeding in hospital settings is the Baby Friendly Hospital Iniatiative (BFHI). Operating in hundreds of countries around the world through the World Health Organisation and UNICEF since 1991, it has been effective in increasing breastfeeding rates through implementing "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding".

Genevieve Becker, IBCLC is the Co-Ordinator for BFHI in Ireland, and while there are two maternity units in Northern Ireland awarded BFHI status, none in the South have, as yet . Almost all of the 22 maternity units are working diligently towards that goal. This global project recognises that " implementing best practice in the maternity service, based on research-based best practice", is crucial to the success of programmes to promote breastfeeding".

To ordinary mortals this means mothers and babies will no longer be separated. Breastfeeding without a schedule, and much skin-to-skin contact, encourages bonding as well as helping baby to suck well.

The appointment, last year, of the National Breastfeeding Co-Ordinator, Maureen Fallon, has been long awaited and welcomed by all in the field of breastfeeding promotion and support. We can now look forward to the day when the sight of a breastfeeding baby in Ireland will be the "norm".

Barbara Boland
Recommended websites for more breastfeeding information:
www.lalecheleague.org
www.ibfan.org
www.unicef.org
www.rollercoaster.ie
www.nmaa.asn.au (nursing mothers of austrailia)
www.waba.org (for world breastfeeding week action folder)
www.babymilkaction.org
www.cuidiu-ict.ie

Barbara Boland B.Soc.Sc.(hons) IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice in Waterford.

Barbara has breastfed her three children, and has 12 years' experience helping mothers and babies enjoy breastfeeding.
Phone: 051-820975 for appointment.

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Information contained in this article does not necessarily represent the view of Newlifelearning. However we bring you leading information so you can make up your own mind.

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