Breast Feeding and Motherhood

Abstract

Breast feeding is a natural way of feeding new born. Besides being a complete nutrition for a new born, it also provides immunity and enhances emotional bonding between mother and a child. Globally, infant morbidity and mortality ratio have been significantly reduced with the exclusive breast feeding practices for initial 6 months and up to 2 years of age. Every year, during 1st-7th August, International World Breast Feeding Day is celebrated in different countries. The aim of celebrating this day is to create awareness among people about the importance of breast feeding. Being a Muslim, we are privileged that breast feeding to a new born is usually encouraged in our families. Many nursing mothers’ wish to breast feed their neonates. However, due to inadequate knowledge about healthy practices during lactation, they encounter problems such as inadequate breast milk production, crack nipples and breast engorgement resulting in decline in breast feeding practices. Milk production in lactating mothers, can be enhanced with an early initiation of breast feeding to a new born, nursing mother intake of healthy diet and rest. With that, spousal and family support during post partum period is also crucial. Moreover, awareness sessions for pregnant, lactating mothers, their spouses and families about the significance of breast feeding to neonates and to families can also help in greater adherence to breast feeding practices. Crack nipple and breast engorgement are two frequent problems faced by nursing mothers which can be reduced by adopting frequent and proper technique of breast feeding practices.