The Power of Breastfeeding

The Power of Breastfeeding and the Challenges Mothers Face

As a mother of two, I have witnessed the magic of breastfeeding firsthand. It is a beautiful and natural process that offers countless benefits for both the mother and the baby. However, the journey is not without its challenges. The constant demand for feeding, sleepless nights, and physical exhaustion can make it difficult to maintain. Despite these hurdles, the power of breastfeeding has a profound impact on both the body and mind.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year during the first week of August. This global event serves as a reminder of the critical role breastfeeding plays in ensuring lifelong health, development, and equity. With the theme "Prioritise Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems," the week highlights the need for a supportive environment that empowers mothers and ensures a hopeful future for children and societies alike.

In Nepal, where maternal and child health remains a priority in public health, the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week reinforces the importance of promoting early, exclusive, and continued breastfeeding. Breast milk is not just a source of nutrition; it contains antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that protect infants from infections and support their growth and development. Even after the first year, breast milk continues to provide essential nutrients, helping to build a strong immune system and promote overall well-being.

Breastfeeding also plays a vital role in brain development and emotional bonding. It provides comfort, security, and a sense of connection between the mother and the child. Long-term breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers for both the mother and the baby. It also aids in postpartum recovery, offering numerous health benefits for the mother.

According to research, initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth can reduce neonatal mortality by 22 percent. Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months can prevent 13 percent of under-five deaths in low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that 55 percent of newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth, and 56 percent of children under six months are exclusively breastfed, showing positive progress.

Despite this progress, cultural beliefs and modern challenges continue to affect breastfeeding practices. In Nepal, breastfeeding is deeply rooted in tradition, often seen as a natural part of motherhood. However, factors such as work pressure, urbanization, and aggressive formula marketing pose significant barriers. Many mothers face difficulties such as latching issues, cracked nipples, and low milk supply. Whether breastfeeding, expressing milk, or using formula, the most important thing is that the baby is loved, nourished, and thriving.

Nepal has made commendable efforts to promote breastfeeding through initiatives like the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives (BFHI), which encourage early breastfeeding initiation. The Labour Act 2017 mandates three months of paid maternity leave in the formal sector. However, challenges remain, particularly for working mothers in the private sector who may not have access to adequate maternity leave. There is also a lack of knowledge about proper breastfeeding techniques, and cultural myths and taboos persist regarding colostrum, breast milk, and dietary restrictions.

Promoting breastfeeding requires a collective effort from families, communities, and support systems. Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) play a crucial role in providing guidance and support. Training FCHVs in lactation counselling and breastfeeding techniques can significantly improve outcomes. Engaging family members, including fathers and grandmothers, in community sessions can help shift the responsibility of breastfeeding to a shared effort. Local governments can also contribute by creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces in public areas.

At the national level, integrating breastfeeding counselling into all maternal care visits—such as Antenatal Care (ANC), Postnatal Care (PNC), follow-ups, and immunisation clinics—is essential. Lactation counsellors should be available in every hospital to address challenges that often lead to early weaning. Using digital media campaigns in local languages can also help normalise and celebrate breastfeeding.

It is equally important to acknowledge mothers who are unable to breastfeed due to medical or personal reasons. Every mother's journey is unique, and what matters most is that the child is loved, fed, and nurtured. All mothers deserve dignity, respect, and support, regardless of how they choose to feed their babies.