Breastfeeding: The Best Feeding Choice
F
or years, new moms have faced the decision of how to nourish their babies: breastfeeding or formula milk. While instinctively, all mothers know that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition, some opt for formula for various reasons:
To avoid the physical strain of breastfeeding.
Concerns about changes to their breast appearance.
Convenience of using processed milk.
The ability for anyone to feed the baby, providing the mother with more flexibility.
Attraction to formula marketing with added minerals for brain development.
Breastfeeding rates have declined due to marketing of breastmilk substitutes that capitalize on the vulnerabilities of new and working mothers. Artificial baby formulas have been the subject of debates with words like "neuro" and "IQ" used in advertising, disrupting the natural infant feeding scheme. Many mothers struggle to breastfeed due to psychological, emotional, physiological, or external factors. Some lack milk due to genetic reasons, while others face the stress of returning to work or financial burdens affecting breastfeeding. At 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein, Captain Lebohang Mohale, in charge of the Maternity Ward, offers new mothers a best choice between breastfeeding and formula feeding. They explain the pros and cons and provide support. They also educate mothers on the financial implications of formula milk. Mixing breastfeeding and
formula is discouraged to prevent confusion for the baby. Breast milk is the purest form of infant nutrition, rich in nutrients, antibodies, and water. It's easy to digest and adapts to the baby's changing needs. The benefits of breastfeeding from the first hour after birth are often underestimated, as breast milk serves as an infant's primary defense against illness and enhances their immune system. At 3 Military Hospital, babies are placed on their mothers' chests immediately after birth for skin-toskin contact, fostering a strong bond. The Maternity Ward staff assists new mothers throughout the breastfeeding process and offers individual courses to boost their confidence. Captain Mohale notes that breastmilk is especially beneficial for premature babies and those with respiratory issues. The breast pump industry has seen significant growth, although it can lead to a deterioration of the bond between mother and infant. However, it remains a vital tool for some mothers to manage breastfeeding. Breastmilk can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 months or frozen for up to 12 months. World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1 to 7, 2023, focused on "Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a Difference for Working Parents," with the goal of increasing the global breastfeeding rate to 70% by 2023, up from the current 48%.
Breastmilk enhances the baby's immune system, prevents malnutrition, and lowers the mother's risk of cancer and diabetes while aiding post-pregnancy weight loss. Breastfeeding also saves time and money and fosters a strong mother-baby bond. A mother can exclusively breastfeed her baby for up to 6 months. HIVpositive mothers can breastfeed as long as their viral load is less than 50, with specific medicine given to the baby if necessary. Mixed feeding should be avoided to prevent transmission of the virus. Research breastfeeding specialists, and the World Health Organization all agree: breast is best, and what a new life needs most is a mother's love.
Maj Anien Coetzee, a dietitian at 3 Military Hospital, emphasizes the countless benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.
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Article and Photograph by Tertiary Military Health Formation & 3 Military Hospital
