Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way to nourish and bond with a newborn baby, yet this is often a challenge for new mothers. Post-partum recovery, the physical and emotional process of healing after childbirth, is not often spoken about, but it is hugely important for both the physical and emotional health of new mothers. Many new mothers face challenges in establishing and maintaining successful breastfeeding due to a lack of post-partum recovery support and education.
During this year’s World Breastfeeding Week marked from Tuesday 1 to Monday 7 August, Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City’s National Clinic Executive, is shining the spotlight on the importance of post-partum recovery education and its impact on breastfeeding outcomes.
“This year’s theme, ‘Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents’, presents the perfect opportunity to raise awareness on post-partum recovery and offer advice that supports mothers and optimises their ability to breastfeed,” says Kruger.
She offers the following guidelines which contribute to a positive breastfeeding experience:
1. Physical and pain recovery
Rest, rest, rest. Fatigue is real. New mothers should not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Physical recovery is hugely important as it can take several weeks or months for a woman’s body to fully recover from childbirth. Physical pain is also a reality from the process of birthing a baby including stitches or a caesarean section operation which adds to discomfort for mothers. Medication for pain management is therefore important. Coupled with good nutrition and rest, this increases breastfeeding success.
2. Emotional support
Equally important is emotional well-being which plays a significant role in breastfeeding. Supportive partners, family members and health-care providers can offer emotional support, encouragement and reassurance, which help alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a conducive environment for successful breastfeeding. Mothers who are well-rested and nourished are more likely to have more energy to produce an ample milk supply and effectively breastfeed their infants. Well-informed mothers are more likely to approach breastfeeding with confidence and have a higher chance of success.
3. Health-care professionals, a helping hand
Health-care professionals play a vital role in post-partum recovery support and education by providing personalised guidance, addressing concerns, offering practical tips and referring mothers to additional resources as needed. New mums especially do not always get latching and breastfeeding techniques right the first time. Be patient with yourself and your baby. If milk supply is challenging get in touch with your doctor or nurse at your health-care clinic for assistance.
Remember you are not a failure and it is not your fault if baby is fussy and not feeding. Help is always on hand and most nurses are well equipped to assist with breastfeeding, post-partum recovery, proper nutrition, hydration and sleep hygiene, which all contribute to overall well-being and optimal milk production.
By prioritising comprehensive post-partum support and education health-care professionals significantly enhance breastfeeding outcomes.
4. Building confidence
Post-partum recovery support and education help instil confidence in new mothers, empowering them to overcome breastfeeding challenges. Mothers who feel well-supported and knowledgeable are more likely to persist with breastfeeding and navigate difficulties successfully.
When mothers prioritise their own well-being they can establish and maintain a healthy milk supply, ensuring their infants receive sufficient nourishment contributing to prolonged breastfeeding. Mothers who receive the necessary support and education are more likely to breastfeed exclusively and continue breastfeeding for the recommended duration, providing their infants with optimal health benefits.
