GOVPH
MENU

With or without COVID-19, Breastfeeding is the Best

Details
Category: Region NCR

Breastfeeding in emergencies saves livesIn the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, people are overwhelmed and in a state of panic—how much more are the mothers raising infants and young children? Whenever we are faced with a health crisis, infants and young children are the most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.

The COVID-19 pandemic, sadly, has an adverse effect to the way mothers and caregivers feed their infants and young children. Because of psychological stress and additional tasks at home, some mothers are under the assumption that breast milk production will be affected, and it is best to transition to formula milk.

Fact check: the opposite is actually true. Breastfeeding will greatly save your baby’s life during emergency situations.

One misconception is that stress and poor diet reduce breast milk production. Stress may temporarily affect milk let-down, but it does not prevent the body from producing milk. Similarly, an undernourished mother is able to produce enough milk for her child.

As stated in the United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Advocacy Brief on Breastfeeding in Emergency Situations, “Breastmilk contains antibodies and other components that protect children against deadly infections—no matter where they live. Breastmilk is always the right temperature, requires no preparation and is readily available even in settings with limited access to clean water and adequate hygiene. Breastfeeding continues to offer these benefits through the ages of 6–23 months as children eat their first solid foods.” More than it being free of charge, breastmilk easily protects children from the harms of poor formula milk preparation such as diarrhea and other diseases.

However, despite knowing all of the benefits of breastfeeding, some mothers still struggle with breastfeeding. There are lots of factors that threaten successful breastfeeding, several of which are an unsupportive environment, psychological and emotional stress, mother’s knowledge and attitude, and aggressive marketing of formula milk. During emergencies like the COVID-19, mothers are enticed to seek and or accept milk formula donation as there many individuals, groups or organizations that donate formula milk notwithstanding the Milk Code and the “No Milk Donation” policy.

Having a great support system is vital to a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed. It is important that members of the household know how to support a breastfeeding mother. Support may be shown through words of encouragement, physical assistance during feeding, and giving her a safe space at home where she can breastfeed or express milk.

Local government units (LGUs) must also educate the whole community about the importance of breastfeeding. Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as well as Breastfeeding Support Groups (BSFGs) should be mobilized to offer counseling and assistance to mothers who are currently struggling with breastfeeding.

Since the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) has driven all members of the family to stay inside the house, mothers suddenly have to care for everyone 24/7. There are also other restrictive, time-consuming tasks such as purchasing food items and lining up for financial assistance. This is why it is important that not only the mother but also the rest of the household is informed of the importance and demands of breastfeeding. Family members should be the mother and baby’s strongest advocates.

Breastfeeding in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat; hats off to all of the women who continue to support, protect, and promote breastfeeding! However, we must also encourage mothers who are not breastfeeding to do so. Instead of criticizing them, let us lift their spirits, help and educate them from a place of love. Always remember, breastfeeding is best—may it be ordinary or extraordinary times. (RGRG/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)

References: