Supporting mothers beyond feeding
As World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7) is observed globally, experts speak to CE about the intersection of breastfeeding and mental health, addressing postpartum depression, anxiety, and the emotional toll of nursing.
'Fatigue and emotional ups and downs are common during the postpartum period,' says Dr Pallavi Chandra Ravula, consultant obstetrician and HOD of obstetrics at Fernandez Hospital, adding, 'However, when a new mother experiences a persistent low mood, guilt, anxiety, difficulty functioning, or disinterest in the baby over a long period, it isn't just exhaustion — these symptoms can indicate postpartum depression or anxiety.'
While breastfeeding is known to release oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone' which promotes calm, reduces stress, and enhances bonding, it's not a universally calming experience.
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The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Experts stress importance of ‘demand feeding' of newborn babies
As part of various initiatives during the week-long celebration of World Breastfeeding Week recently, neonatologists and nurses have reiterated the importance of 'demand feeding' of newborn babies. One of the central messages being propagated among expectant women and lactating mothers during this year's celebrations on the theme 'Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems,' is about picking up the baby's 'hunger cues'. 'Mothers should not wait to feed the baby until the baby cries; rather it is important to identify the early hunger cues and feed the baby,' said Manjubala Dash, professor of Nursing at the State-run Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences and national trainer for the Mothers' Absolute Affection-Infant and Young Child Feeding MAA/IYCF programme of the National Health Mission. The signs of a baby's nourishment need have been classified as 'early cues' (stirring, mouth opening, turning head), 'mid cues' (stretching, increasing movement) and late cues (crying). 'Ideally, the child should be fed before it cries. Each mother needs to know about demand feeding', Ms. Dash said. Neonatologists at Jipmer reiterate the importance of sustained awareness campaign on the critical importance of newborns being exclusively breastfed for the first six months and of breastfeeding being continued till the child is two years of age. They cite the National Survey (NFHS-5) which found that only 41% of infants in India were breastfed within one hour of birth and only 64% were exclusively breastfed for six months. Jipmer's Nursing department was joined by departments of Neonatology, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as the College of Nursing to organise various programmes to raise awareness on breastfeeding. Beginning with a rally flagged off by Vir Singh Negi, Jipmer Director, volunteers presented 'villu pattu', role plays, posters and artwork centred on breastfeeding through the week. Useful information regarding importance of breastfeeding and essential newborn care was imparted to the postnatal mothers. For mothers too, breastfeeding prevents the occurrence of breastcancer and ovarian cancers. According to Jipmer doctors, breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. Breastmilk contains the ideal ratio of nutrients and minerals and has immuno-protective properties that shield the infant from diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infection. Optimal nutrition during the first two years of a child's life is crucial, as it lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic diseases and fosters better neurodevelopment. In fact, according to a recent Lancet series, breastmilk helps to prevent all forms of malnutrition, ensures food security for infants and young children, and thus helps to bring people and nations out of the hunger and poverty cycle. Doctors also cautioned about breast-milk substitutes flooding the market and threatening to undermine efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide. Cow's milk, gripe water, formula feeds and bottle-feeding are harmful to newborns and should not be given, they said. Doctors felt that in addition to increasing adoption of breastfeeding practices through awareness drives, it was also imperative for State-led policy actions, including implementation and oversight of national maternity protection laws. Employers should create breastfeeding-friendly policies and spaces, sanction adequate paid maternity leave and set up clean, private, and well-equipped lactation rooms where mothers can breastfeed /express milk comfortably, introduce breastfeeding breaks for the working mother and have a creche facility.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Donor milk support goes up at Rajaji hospital
Madurai: The breast milk bank at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) has been a lifeline for newborns in the hospital for nearly a decade now. This year, till July, 2,529 mothers have donated breast milk to the bank, helping 2,334 babies. This is a considerable rise from last year when a total of 3,821 mothers donated. The department of neonatology, which deals with care for newborns, particularly premature infants, in GRH is the largest in the state. Head of the department, Dr J Ashok Raja, said 15 to 20% of the newborns have a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). "During the first week of life, the baby starts vomiting, and it is harmful to the body," he said. "Breast milk is the best preventive measure for NEC." He added that there are biological components in breast milk that have growth factors for the newborn that formula milk can't match. Babies born in less than 32 weeks or weighing less than 1.5kg are the most important candidates for receiving breast milk. Doctors emphasise six months of exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn. "Breast milk contains 60% water, so there is no need for water too," Dr Nandini Kuppusamy, HOD of paediatrics, said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo It is crucial for brain development and also prevents respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. Dr Ashok said gripe water is not recommended for newborns as it contains preservatives banned in some European countries. Breast milk donation starts with a screening of the mother for active diseases like HIV or transmissible infections. This is followed by counselling and collection of consent. The milk collected is sent to storage, and from there to pasteurisation and to the microbiological lab. After ensuring the milk is fit, it is distributed to newborns in need. Donor milk is especially given to premature newborns within the hospital for whom breast milk is crucial. Some mothers who are unable to breastfeed their child or those who have nipple soreness also use stored milk for their child. Most mothers who come to donate breast milk are doing so out of gratitude, says Ashok. "They may have a premature firstborn, after which they return to donate breast milk," he said. Other factors that influence mothers to donate are education and awareness, he said. Two mothers, Sivapriya R, 31, and Mutheeswari K, 29, were honoured for donating a total of 6.5 litres of breast milk in the last 20 days by dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar at a valedictory ceremony on Thursday on account of World Breastfeeding Week. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Breastfeeding awareness through contests at KGMU
Lucknow: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7) was observed by department of obstetrics and gynaecology at KGMU through a series of awareness activities and student competitions, the theme being 'Prioritise Breastfeeding – Create Sustainable Support Systems'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Daily awareness sessions were conducted in OPD and postnatal wards by the faculty to inform patients and staff about benefits of breastfeeding and its role in reducing infant mortality. Vice Chancellor Prof Sonia Nityanand appreciated the department's efforts and said, "Breastfeeding is essential for newborn as first six months are crucial for the child's development." A slogan competition was held for third-year MBBS students on Aug 4. On Thursday, a debate on safety and ethics of donor milk was conducted for final-year students. Poster-making and quiz competitions were also organised for undergraduate and postgraduate students, respectively. Prizes were awarded for all events. Baby show was organised for infants under six months of age to highlight importance of breastfeeding in early development. Three healthy breastfed babies were selected and awarded. The programme was supported by the Inner Wheel Club and Orcus. A street play was performed by nursing students on Aug 6 in OPD to spread awareness among patients.
