Latest news with #BreastfeedingAwarenessWeek
The South African
5 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Not enough breastfeeding for South Africa's babies
We often hear that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies from birth. South African mothers, however have not been breastfeeding their babies enough. As South Africa observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week until 7 August, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (PBSN) together with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) expresses concern that only 20 percent of babies in the country are exclusively breastfed. A statement by the HPCSA, shows that South Africa has failed dismally in achieving an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% by 2025, a global expectation target endorsed by the World Health Assembly. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done in South Africa to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and to meet global targets. Recent data shows that in South Africa, 44% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks in 2021/22, down from 49% in 2019/20,' said the HPCSA. A Human Sciences Research Council Report indicates that only 20% of infants from birth to six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa to date. Globally, 48% of infants are breastfed, while the expected target for 2025 is 50%. The revised target for breastfeeding by 2030 is 70%. Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an initiative planned by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year's theme is: Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. 'A sustainable breastfeeding support system is an all-of-society approach that ensures every mother has the support, environment and resources to breastfeed successfully, from the first two years of a child's life and beyond,' said WABA in a statement. According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is best because: It has healthy nutrients compared to formula which are easier to absorb and digest. It contains nutrients that aid successful brain growth and nervous system development, making them fare better in intelligence tests later in life. The fat in breastmilk develops better eyesight in babies. Breastmilk consumption combats infections. Breastfed infants do not succumb to digestive, lung and ear infections. Premature babies who are breastfed are not susceptible to intestine related infections. Babies who are prone to infection while being breastfed experience less severe symptoms. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Most Moms Still Feel ‘Ashamed' and ‘Judged' Over Not Being Able To Breastfeed
A survey for Breastfeeding Awareness Week shows the realities moms face when it comes to Points The majority of mothers would like to breastfeed, but are not able to despite trying, according to a new study from Tommee Tippee. Half of mothers feel a sense of loneliness while breastfeeding, and half feel ashamed or judged if they can't. Certain groups are most affected by barriers to breastfeeding. This includes Black, Hispanic, and Asian not news that many mothers feel they can't win when it comes to breastfeeding. While breastfeeding has known benefits, some moms feel defeated before they've even started, and others have to give it up before they want to. New data from global parent-care brand Tommee Tippee gives us a glimpse into the harsh reality of what new moms feel about how they choose to feed their babies. Over half of moms feel ashamed or judged if they can't breastfeed, and half of those who can breastfeed feel alone on their journey. As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to August 7), let's discuss the challenges new mothers face in feeding their babies and how we can better support them. What the Research Tells Us About Feelings on Feeding Choices Tommee Tippee compiled the data through an online survey of over 2,000 women of childbearing age (18-45), including more than 900 mothers, with care taken to include 500 Black mothers and representation from major cities. Here's what the company found: While 85% of moms have the desire to breastfeed, 50% can't, and it's not for lack of trying. Of those who can breastfeed, 51% feel lonely during feeding. For those who can't breastfeed, 52% feel judged, and 56% feel ashamed. Even when it isn't right for them, 53% of new moms say they feel pressured to feed their baby a certain way. It's worth noting that Black women are disproportionately affected, reporting higher rates of feeling pressured by medical professionals and family (47%), as well as from social media (41%). What Are the Challenges Mothers Face? The survey reflects that half of the women who start off breastfeeding have to stop before they're ready to for reasons beyond their control. These reasons include: Physical pain (32%) Low milk production (31%) Difficulty latching (21%) Mental health struggles (26%) With more than a quarter of the moms surveyed feeling they have no help when they need it most, these barriers are often challenging to overcome and frequently hidden. They also disproportionately impact certain groups such as Asian mothers (60%) and Hispanic mothers (56%). The Troubling Gap This national research shows that a mother's desire to feed her baby often doesn't match the reality she faces. The difficulties she encounters are greeted by a lack of support rather than helping hands. 'Most mothers want to breastfeed, but far too many stop before they are ready. It is not for lack of effort. It is because they are in pain, they are exhausted, or they cannot find the help they need,' explains Kyrstal Duhaney, RN, BSN, IBCLC, founder of MilkyMama. While mothers tend to blame themselves, 'the real failure is in the system that was supposed to support them.' Tommee Tippee hopes to encourage more open discussions on this topic and highlight available resources for new mothers. With a deeper understanding of what they're feeling and improved support systems, moms can be more empowered by their feeding choices rather than feeling that they're getting it all wrong. No Right or Wrong Way To Feed Your Baby At the end of the day, there's no universally right or wrong way to feed your baby. It's important to recognize that breastfeeding, especially exclusively, is not a realistic option for many mothers. New moms should feel supported where they are, regardless, and not where others expect them to be. With early guidance and ongoing support, mothers can make choices that are right for them and their little one, free from pressure and judgment. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
