In all of these programmes, there was a recurring topic – breastfeeding. In the case of pneumonia, paediatricians agree that exclusively breastfeeding a child for the first six months of life is not only effective in protecting him from being infected with the pneumonia virus, it is also capable of speeding up the healing process if the child gets infected with the deadly bug.
Consultant Paediatrician at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr. Adegoke Falade, says a child’s immune system may be weakened by malnutrition or undernourishment, especially if such a baby isn’t exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life. “A child with weak immunity is a sad child,” the paediatrician-pulmonolgist says.
Falade adds, “A malnourished or undernourished baby is susceptible to all sorts of infection, while he also risks death before age five, hence the need for exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, and, if possible, up till age two, in addition to nourishing complementary feeding.”
The case of nursing mothers who are living with HIV is a bit sublime, as they may only breastfeed under the supervision of a competent physician who will regularly check their viral loads to determine if they will not transmit the virus to their babies in the course of breastfeeding.
For successful breastfeeding
The average nursing mother readily takes breastfeeding exercise for granted; yet physicians warn that there are some things that ought to be in place before a mother can successfully breastfeed her baby.
According to Family Physician, Dr. Omobola Aladenusi, mothers must realise that it is not only about the health of their babies; rather, the nursing mother must be in sound health before she can successfully breastfeed her baby.
“What this translates into is that the mother must observe certain strategies in terms of nutrition if she must remain in good health as she also nourishes her baby with breast milk,” Aladenusi says. Physicians therefore recommend the following for you and your baby’s health…
Drink water
Consultant Nutritionist, Dr. Wale Roberts, says water is one of the most nutritious beverages that a breastfeeding mother can indulge in without any repercussion.
“This is because water hydrates, aids digestion and also rids the body of wastes. It also enables the breast milk to flow better, giving your baby more than enough milk to feast on whenever he desires to feed,” he enthuses.
Again, Roberts note, the average nursing mother can be sleep-deprived, a situation that saps her of the much needed energy; while it could also contribute in no small way to dehydration. “That’s why you cannot do without drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day,” he submits.
He adds that water-rich fruit and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, lettuce and others in that category are recommended for a nursing mother in order to make for proper hydration while breastfeeding.
Eat foods rich in vitamin D, zinc, selenium
Roberts says foods that are rich in vitamin D, zinc, and selenium not only nourish a new mother and, by implication, her baby; but such foods actually help in checking the incidence of post-partum depression.
Of course, a depressed mother may not breastfeed her baby as she ought to, hence the need to curb the incidence.
Indeed, researchers at the University of Colorado have identified a link between micronutrient deficiencies and the development of postpartum depression. They say about 15 per cent of women experience a period of depression after delivery, relating the condition to nutrition deficiency.
Consequently, they recommend foods such as fatty fish (e.g. salmon), eggs, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, milk or other dairy products, citrus juice, nuts and beans, and dark chocolate which contains phenylalanine and antioxidants.
Use garlic
Based on its versatility, humanity may be unable to detail the use to which garlic could be put! Experts say that among its many curative properties, garlic is also said to help in increasing breast milk supply.
Scientists say, “Studies have shown that the infants of mothers who eat garlic tend to feed for a longer time, and many babies seem to like the flavour in breast milk.” You may eat garlic raw, or use it as seasoning agents in meats, vegetables, pastas and other foods that catch your fancy.
Low-fat dairy products
Yogurt, milk, or cheese — all of which are dairy products — deliver enough vitamin D which strengthens the bone, while these foods also provide protein and B vitamins. They are also some of the best sources of calcium. As a breastfeeding mom, calcium helps in the formation of your baby’s bones. Consequently, as you load up on these foods, you are nourishing your baby and yourself at the same time!
Avoid caffeine
Aladenusi warns nursing mothers to go easy on caffeinated drinks or beverages. He says this becomes imperative because even a little caffeine can enter the bloodstream and, eventually, the breast milk.
He notes that a newborn may be sensitive to caffeine and react negatively to it. “A baby who is under four months may not be able to cope with too much caffeine. Babies can’t get rid of caffeine very well, so it can build up in their bodies, causing them to be wakeful, restless or irritable,” experts at babycenter.com say.
You may therefore want to avoid iced tea, cola, diet cola, decaffeinated or instant coffee, etc.
In conclusion, Roberts says the more you breastfeed, the more your milk flows. So, eat well and breastfeed more.
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