August 1 to 7 is commemorated throughout the world as Breastfeeding Week. World Breastfeeding Week aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to support breastfeeding mothers. The theme for 2024 is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
According to UNICEF, 42% of children in Zimbabwe are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, while a quarter suffer from chronic malnutrition.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes with concern that low breastfeeding rates are proliferated by the marketing of breast milk and inappropriate complementary foods, putting children’s health at risk both in the short and long term.
Globally, exclusive and continued breastfeeding could help prevent 13 per cent of deaths among children under five.
UNICEF and WHO recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand –as often as the child wants, day and night.
It is further recommended that children receive complementary foods from 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
What is Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the feeding of a baby with milk produced by the mother’s mammary glands. Breast milk is the most natural and complete food for infants.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Provides essential nutrients for baby’s growth and development
- Protects against infections and diseases
- Strengthens the bond between mother and child
- Supports maternal health
- Cost-effective and environmentally friendly
Challenges to Breastfeeding in Zimbabwe
- Lack of knowledge and awareness about breastfeeding benefits
- Early introduction of complementary foods
- Inadequate maternity leave policies
- Marketing of infant formula
- Cultural and social norms
How You Can Support Breastfeeding
- Educate yourself about the benefits of breastfeeding
- Support breastfeeding mothers in your community
- Advocate for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and communities
- Demand policies that support breastfeeding
There are various myths around breastfeeding. UNICEF has compiled some common ones:
1. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy.
Babies are born with the reflex to look for their mother’s breast. However, many mothers need practical support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast. Breastfeeding takes time and practice for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is also time intensive, so mothers need space and support at home and work.
2. Myth: It’s usual for breastfeeding to hurt – sore nipples are inevitable.
Many mothers experience discomfort in the first few days after birth when they are learning to breastfeed. But with the right support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast, sore nipples can be avoided. If a mother faces breastfeeding challenges like sore nipples, support from a skilled professional can help them overcome the issue.
3. Myth: You should wash your nipples before breastfeeding.
Washing your nipples before breastfeeding isn’t necessary. When babies are born, they are already very familiar with their own mother’s smells and sounds. The nipples produce a substance that the baby smells and has ‘good bacteria’ that helps to build babies’ own healthy immune system for life.
4. Myth: You should separate a newborn and mother to let the mother rest.
Doctors, nurses and midwives often encourage the practice of ‘skin-to-skin’ – also known as kangaroo mother care – immediately after birth. Bringing your baby in direct contact, so their skin is against yours, is a very important practice that helps them to find and attach to the breast. If you can practice this within one hour after birth and then frequently after, it helps to establish breastfeeding. If the mother cannot do this, then the partner or another family member can step in.
5. Myth: You should only eat plain food while breastfeeding.
Like everybody else, breastfeeding mothers need to eat a balanced diet. In general, there is no need to change food habits. Babies are exposed to their mothers’ food preferences from the time they are in the womb. If a mother perceives that her baby reacts to a specific food she eats, it is best to consult a specialist.
6. Myth: Exercise will affect the taste of your milk.
Exercise is healthy, also for breastfeeding mothers. There is no evidence that it affects the taste of your milk.
7. Myth: You won’t be able to breastfeed unless you do it straight away.
It is easier to get breastfeeding started if you begin in the first hour after birth because a baby’s reflexes are very strong at that time. They are ready to learn to feed at the breast. If you do not latch your baby on right after birth, do it as soon as possible in your situation. If you need help putting your baby to the breast, ask for support from a skilled professional. Frequent skin-to-skin contact and putting your baby to the breast will help to get breastfeeding going.
8. Myth: You can never use formula if you want to breastfeed.
Mothers may decide they need to use formula on some occasions, while continuing to breastfeed. It is important to seek unbiased information on formula and other products that replace breastmilk. To keep breastmilk production going, continue offering the breast to your baby as often as possible. It can be useful for mothers to consult a skilled professional to help with a plan that works best for them to continue breastfeeding.
9. Myth: Many mothers can’t produce enough milk.
Almost all mothers produce the right amount of milk for their babies. Breastmilk production is determined by how well the baby is latched on to the breast, the frequency of breastfeeding and how well the baby is removing milk with each feeding. Breastfeeding isn’t a ‘one woman’ job and mothers need support. Support like ongoing breastfeeding guidance from health care providers, help at home, and staying healthy by eating and drinking well.
10. Myth: You shouldn’t breastfeed if you’re sick.
Depending on the kind of illness, mothers can usually continue breastfeeding when they’re sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to treat your disease or illness will pass on to your baby, building their own defences.
11. Myth: You can’t take any medication if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s important to inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding and to read the instructions with any medications you buy over the counter. It might be necessary to take medications at a specific time or in a specific dosage, or to take an alternative formulation. You should also tell the baby’s doctor about any medications that you’re taking.
12. Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain. Breastfed babies are held a lot and because of this, breastfeeding has been shown to enhance bonding with their mother.
13. Myth: It’s hard to wean a baby if you breastfeed for more than a year.
There’s no evidence that it is more difficult to stop breastfeeding after one year, but there is evidence that breastfeeding up to two years is beneficial for both mothers and children. All mothers and babies are different and need to determine together how long they want to breastfeed.
14. Myth: If you go back to work, you’ll have to wean your baby.
Many mothers continue breastfeeding after going back to work. First, check the policies in the country and your own workplace. If you have the right to time and a place to breastfeed during working hours, you may be able to go home and breastfeed, ask a family member or friend to bring your baby to you, or to express your milk and take it home. If you don’t have the option to breastfeed during working hours, look for moments during the day to express your milk and then feed your baby directly when you are at home. If you decide to give your baby a breastmilk substitute for some feeds, it still very good to continue breastfeeding whenever you are with your baby.
