Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
AN expert has highlighted that breastfeeding not only fosters a strong bond between mothers and their newborns but also plays a crucial role in alleviating post-partum depression shortly after childbirth.
Postnatal depression, which can begin soon after delivery, may persist for months and potentially worsen if left untreated.
Dr Harrison Rambanapasi an obstetrician and gynaecologist said this depression could be reduced if the mother breastfeeds well.
He was speaking at a National Breastfeeding Week commemoration event which is held annually from 1 to 7 August to encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
“Breastfeeding is a very crucial aspect of the neonatal (first month) and infant (1st year) phases of human life. Apart from the indispensable nutritional value breastfeeding also enhances the emotional dependency of the newborn on the mother. This healthy, strong emotional bond in turn also ensures prolongation of breastfeeding (positive feedback loop).
“Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression. In addition to the emotional bonding that mothers yearn for there is also some evidence suggesting that breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing post-partum depression. Depression is not only a huge mental health concern but it also puts the health of the newborn at risk if the mother is then unable to care for their baby,” he said.
Dr Rambanapasi said some women may experience anxiety in the first week of giving birth and may be tearful or may feel a bit down and it is normal.
He, however, said if the symptoms persist more than two weeks and longer after giving birth, it may be a sign of post-natal depression.
Some of the symptoms highlighted include a persistent feeling of sadness or low mood from the new mother, lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in anything, withdrawing contact with other people around her, and finding it difficult to look after themselves and the baby.
Dr Rambanapasi said the World Health Organisation strongly recommends breast milk as the most ideal sole source of nutrition for all babies from birth until they reach six months.
“It’s importance in the growth and development of the baby can never be overemphasised. Every year from 1 to 7 August the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week to remind each other of the various issues about breastfeeding, promote the practice, and discuss various ways in which we can all derive maximum value from breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding improves a baby’s immunity against infections. Breast milk is laden with numerous antibodies that confer the baby with immunity against various infective micro-organisms. In some circles, people refer to breastfeeding as the first form of immunisation. What is also important to note is that the baby will be getting antibodies formed in the mother’s body against infections that the mother will have encountered. This means that the baby is getting protection against bacteria in their environment,” said Dr Rambanapasi.
Breast milk, he said, contains all the nutrients the baby needs, and supports growth and development.
These nutrients come readily made, readily packaged, and delivered directly into the hungry baby’s mouth in the exact right proportions as required.
He also said breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after childbirth.
“When a woman breastfeeds, her brain is triggered to produce a hormone called oxytocin. These hormones cause the womb to contract. This is the reason why at times a woman feels cramps (like period pain) in the early days of breastfeeding. The contraction of the womb helps to minimise blood loss from the womb in the first few days after delivery,” he added.
He said, overall, when all the factors are considered it can be concluded that breastfeeding results in a remarkable improvement of neonatal, infant, and child health and drastically reduces mortality in these age groups.
Dr Rambanapasi further said the breastfeeding technique is also a critical aspect that women must consider.
“Whether a woman is going to successfully breastfeed adequately depends on whether they know why they should breastfeed and how they should breastfeed. Breastfeeding is pretty much a natural process and every woman has at least some scant knowledge on how to do it. Effective breastfeeding technique with good position, proper attachment, and suckling has a myriad of benefits to both the mother and the baby. It enables efficient milk delivery into the baby’s mouth, prevents nipple pain and discomfort, and reduces the risk of breast infections, cracks, and engorgement,” he said.
Dr Rambanapasi further said studies revealed that mothers who fail to grasp the breastfeeding technique well from the onset and fail to breastfeed their babies tend to get stressed which fuels Post Natal Depression making the need for them to be taught very important.
The doctor highlighted that infants should receive nutritionally adequate complementary foods from six months while breastfeeding continues for up to two years or beyond. Nevertheless, many Zimbabwean infants and young children are not breastfed.
The 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) report indicates that only two-thirds (59 percent) of children are breastfed within the first hour after birth. Only 42 percent of children zero to six months of age are exclusively breastfed.
Turning to working lactating mothers, Dr Rambanapasi said they sometimes have inadequate time to carry out this duty.
“Most employers in Zimbabwe grant women 90 to 98 days of maternity leave. This includes the last 21 or so days of pregnancy taken before the baby is born. This limits the time that the employed mother spends with their baby and can potentially affect breastfeeding. Research has shown working mothers tend to breastfeed for a shorter duration compared to their unemployed counterparts. There is therefore a need for stakeholders to relook into the employer/employee relationship and the environment at work to ensure that as a mother continues to add value to their company breastfeeding practice is not severely affected,” he said.
He added that significant others like grandmothers have a huge impact on a woman’s decision to breastfeed and the practices thereof. Their own experiences may come in handy in supporting a nursing mother.
“However it is important to note that recommendations issued by bodies such as WHO, do change in line with new medical knowledge. So in as much as the grandmothers’ experience is valued, it is important to ensure that this experience is not against the best available medical evidence,” he said. @NyembeziMu
Bongani Ndlovu