Pregnancy is a time of great anticipation, with countless preparations for the arrival of a little one. But amidst the excitement of setting up a nursery and choosing baby names, there’s one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked: breastfeeding. While it might seem like something to think about after the baby is born, the antenatal period is the ideal time to start preparing for this essential part of motherhood. We spoke to our expert Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, who explained the importance of antenatal breastfeeding education.
“Breastfeeding can enhance the health of the child and the mother as well as strengthen mother‐infant bonding. Breastfed infants experience reduced rates of stomach and respiratory issues, fewer ear infections, and improved speech, vision, and overall physical and mental development,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
According to the National Institutes Of Health (NIH), UK, breast milk is perfectly tailored to meet an infant's nutritional requirements and is a living substance with exceptional immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that shield both mothers and children from various illnesses and diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods for two years and beyond. Many women struggle to adhere to these guidelines, and we are seeking ways to support them in their breastfeeding journey.
Importance Of Antenatal Breastfeeding Education
“Antenatal breastfeeding education teaches women about breastfeeding during pregnancy, before the baby arrives. One reason women are unable to breastfeed has to do with a lack of education and knowledge about how to breastfeed. We believe that improving pregnant women's knowledge of BF may help them to breastfeed longer,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
Also Read: Rusty Pipe Syndrome: Expert Explains If This Can Harm Your Baby's Health During Breastfeeding
Practical Steps During the Antenatal Period
The pregnant woman has to be counselled about the good impact of breastfeeding on the baby versus formula-powder feeding. During routine antenatal checkups, the nipples and breast checkups are very important.
Retracted nipples need to be corrected by nipple syringing and dry cracked nipples need to be moisturised.
“Additionally, antenatal visits should include a thorough check of the breasts and nipples. Issues, such as retracted nipples can be addressed with techniques like nipple syringing, and dry, cracked nipples can be treated with proper moisturisation. The pregnant woman should be encouraged to give colostrum or the yellow first milk to the baby as it contains antibodies to fight infections. As soon as the baby is born skin to skin bonding must be encouraged,” added Dr Deorukhar.
Also Read: Diet 101 For Lactating Women: Expert Lists What To Eat And Avoid While Breastfeeding
What Happens If You Don't Breastfeed?
Choosing not to breastfeed can have long-term health implications for both mother and child.
Women who do not breastfeed may face an increased risk of:
- Breast cancer, and some forms of ovarian cancer
- Hip fractures in older age
- The retention of fat deposited during pregnancy may result in later obesity
- Anaemia caused by insufficient uterine contraction after childbirth and the early resumption of menstruation
- Frequent pregnancies due to lack of child spacing affect breastfeeding
Children who do not receive breast milk may be at increased risk of:
- Infections, such as diarrhoea and gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections
- Eczema and other atopic conditions
- Necrotising Enterocolitis, in preterm infants
- Reduced developmental progress and academic achievement, leading to diminished earning potential
- Developing juvenile-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, higher blood pressure and obesity in childhood, are all markers of later heart disease
Hence a mother’s milk is best suited to the individual child, changing to meet the baby’s changing needs.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]