Health Series IV: The Psychology behind Breastfeeding: Mental Health Benefits and Challenges- Miriam Ike

By 

Miriam Ike

Dear Faithful Readers,

Welcome back to Health Info with Mims! In our last discussion, we explored the transformative journey of menopause, breaking the silence and stigma surrounding it. Your engagement and shared experiences were truly inspiring.

Today, as we commemorate World Breastfeeding Day, we’re looking into a vital topic for mothers and families: breastfeeding. Celebrated annually from August 1st through 7th, these days are dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and supporting mothers worldwide. Breastfeeding is not just a biological process; it also has profound psychological effects on the mother, her partner, and the child. Understanding the psychology behind breastfeeding can help families navigate the emotional challenges and benefits it brings. 

This article will explore how breastfeeding impacts the mental health of the mother, the father, and the child, as well as strategies for overcoming potential challenges. We'll also debunk common myths surrounding breastfeeding, especially in Nigeria, and highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

The Importance and Myths of Exclusive Breastfeeding

What is Exclusive Breastfeeding?

Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding your baby only breast milk for the first six months of life, without any additional food or drink, not even water. Breastfeeding provides all the essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that a baby needs for optimal growth and development during this critical period.

The Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding

Nutritional Superfood: Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition, providing the perfect balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It adapts to the changing needs of your baby, ensuring they receive everything required for healthy growth.

Strengthened Immunity: Breast milk is rich in antibodies that protect against infections and diseases. It helps build a robust immune system, reducing the risk of diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and ear infections.

Bonding and Emotional Connection: Breastfeeding promotes a special bond between mother and baby. The physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact foster emotional connections, 

Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Exclusive breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and asthma in later life.

Maternal Health Benefits: Breastfeeding benefits mothers as well, aiding in postpartum recovery, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and helping with natural child spacing by delaying the return of menstruation.

Cost-effective and Sustainable: Breastfeeding is an economical and environmentally friendly option. It eliminates the need for formula and feeding supplies, contributing to a healthier planet.

The Psychology Behind Breastfeeding

For the Mother

Emotional Bonding and Satisfaction

Oxytocin Release: Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," which promotes bonding between the mother and baby. This hormone induces feelings of love, relaxation, and maternal care, strengthening the emotional connection.

Sense of Accomplishment: Many mothers experience a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfilment when they successfully breastfeed, which can enhance self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Challenges to Mental Health

Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to breastfeed successfully, coupled with societal expectations, can lead to stress and anxiety. Concerns about milk supply, latching difficulties, or returning to work can exacerbate these feelings.

Postpartum Depression: While breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum depression due to hormonal effects, some women may experience guilt or inadequacy if they encounter challenges, contributing to depressive symptoms.

Sleep Deprivation: Frequent night feedings can lead to sleep deprivation, affecting the mother’s mood and cognitive function. Exhaustion can also impact her ability to cope with daily stressors.

For the Partner

Supporting Role

Increased Empathy: Partners often develop greater empathy and understanding as they witness the demands and challenges of breastfeeding. This can strengthen the couple’s relationship if both feel supported and valued.

Feelings of Exclusion: Ade a husband to Tinuke who has a three (3) month old baby, has been displaying a level of jealousy and asked his wife to stop breastfeeding their baby. He wants to own all of his wife without the interference of a baby. Some partners may feel excluded from the bonding experience, leading to feelings of jealousy or helplessness. They might struggle to find their role in nurturing the newborn.

Emotional Adjustment

Shared Responsibility: Partners can experience stress due to the increased responsibility and changes in the family dynamic. This adjustment period can be challenging, affecting their mental health and relationship with their mother.

Anxiety about Well-being: Concern for the mother’s health and the baby’s development can cause anxiety and stress for the partner, especially if breastfeeding is difficult.

For the Child

Emotional and Social Development

Secure Attachment: Breastfeeding promotes a secure attachment between mother and child, providing comfort and security. This early bonding is crucial for emotional and social development, influencing the child’s relationships later in life.

Reduced Stress: Physical closeness during breastfeeding helps regulate the baby’s stress response, promoting a calm and soothing environment.

Cognitive Benefits

Brain Development: The nutrients and fatty acids in breast milk support brain development, enhancing cognitive abilities and contributing to improved learning outcomes.

Navigating Challenges

For the Mother

Seek Support

Professional Help: Consult lactation consultants or healthcare professionals for guidance on breastfeeding techniques and overcoming challenges.

Support Groups: Joining breastfeeding support groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation.

Prioritize Self-Care

Rest and Nutrition: Ensure adequate rest and a balanced diet to support physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing self-care can enhance resilience and reduce stress.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote emotional well-being.

For the Partner

Active Involvement

Participate in Baby Care: Engage in activities like bathing, diaper changing, and soothing the baby to foster bonding and support the mother.

Communicate Openly: Encourage open communication about feelings, expectations, and challenges. Understanding each other’s perspectives can strengthen the relationship.

Educate and Empathize

Learn About Breastfeeding: Educate yourself about breastfeeding to better understand the mother’s experience and challenges. Empathy and knowledge can help you provide more effective support.

Offer Emotional Support: Be present and emotionally available, offering encouragement and understanding during difficult times.

For the Child

Create a Nurturing Environment

Responsive Parenting:

Respond promptly to the baby’s cues and needs, providing comfort and reassurance. This approach fosters secure attachment and emotional development.

Consistent Caregiving: Ensure consistency in caregiving routines and interactions to promote a sense of safety and stability.

Monitor Development

Track Milestones: Regularly monitor the baby’s development and growth to identify any concerns early. Consult healthcare professionals if needed.

Encourage Exploration: Provide opportunities for exploration and learning to support cognitive and emotional development.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While exclusive breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, it can also present challenges for some mothers. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them can make the breastfeeding journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Latching Difficulties

Seek Guidance: If you're having trouble with latching, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. They can provide hands-on assistance and techniques to improve your baby's latch.

Low Milk Supply

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a balanced diet to support milk production. Foods like oats, fenugreek, and garlic are known to boost lactation.

Frequent Feeding: Nurse your baby often to stimulate milk production. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body will produce.

Nipple Pain and Soreness

Ensure Proper Latch: An improper latch can cause nipple pain. Adjust your baby's position to ensure they latch deeply onto the breast.

Nipple Care: Use lanolin cream or expressed breast milk to soothe sore nipples. Allow them to air dry after feeding.

Returning to Work

Plan Ahead: If you’re returning to work, plan for expressing milk and storing it safely. Discuss breastfeeding accommodations with your employer.

Express Milk Regularly: Use a breast pump to maintain your milk supply and relieve engorgement while you're away from your baby.

Tips for Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding

Start Early: Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth to encourage bonding and milk production.

Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with supportive family members, friends, and healthcare professionals who encourage and assist with breastfeeding.

Educate Yourself: Attend breastfeeding classes and workshops to learn about techniques and get answers to your questions.

Stay Patient and Persistent: Breastfeeding takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you both learn and adapt.

Trust Your Body: Believe in your body's ability to nourish your baby. Confidence and positivity go a long way in ensuring a successful breastfeeding journey.

Common Myths about Breastfeeding in Nigeria

Breastfeeding is a vital practice for the health and development of both infants and mothers, yet numerous myths persist that can discourage or misinform new mothers about its benefits. Let’s debunk some of these myths and highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Myth 1: Breastfeeding Isn't Necessary If You Use Formula

Many believe that infant formula is a complete substitute for breast milk. While formula provides necessary nutrients, breast milk contains antibodies and unique components essential for boosting a baby’s immune system and protecting against infections.

Fact: Breast milk is tailored specifically to each infant's needs, containing live cells, enzymes, and hormones that formula simply cannot replicate. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life because of these unique benefits.

Myth 2: Some Women Don’t Produce Enough Milk

It's a common fear among new mothers that they won’t produce enough milk for their baby. However, the vast majority of women produce more than enough milk to nourish their infants.

Fact: Milk supply works on a demand-and-supply basis. The more a baby feeds, the more milk is produced. If you’re concerned about milk supply, consult a lactation expert who can help optimize feeding techniques.

Myth 3: Breastfeeding Ruins Your Breasts

A prevalent concern among some Nigerian women is that breastfeeding will cause sagging breasts. This belief often discourages new mothers from breastfeeding.

Fact: Breast changes are primarily due to pregnancy and hormonal shifts, not breastfeeding. Wearing a supportive bra and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage these changes.

Myth 4: You Can't Breastfeed If You're Sick

Some mothers worry that if they are ill, they should stop breastfeeding to avoid passing the illness to their baby. However, this is rarely the case.

Fact: In most instances, breastfeeding while sick is not only safe but beneficial. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect the baby from getting the same illness. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Myth 5: Breastfeeding is Painful

The fear of pain can be a significant barrier to breastfeeding. While some discomfort is normal at first, persistent pain is not.

Fact: Proper latch and positioning are crucial. If breastfeeding is painful, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or lactation consultant can help correct any issues.

Myth 6: Breastfeeding Makes Babies Too Dependent

In some Nigerian communities, it’s believed that breastfeeding makes children overly attached to their mothers, impacting their independence.

Fact: Breastfeeding provides a strong emotional bond between mother and child, which is beneficial for the child's emotional and social development. Independence develops naturally as children grow.

Myth 7: Breastfeeding Mothers Must Eat a Special Diet

Many believe that breastfeeding mothers needs to follow strict dietary rules to produce quality milk.

Fact: While a balanced diet is beneficial for overall health, there are no specific foods that must be eaten or avoided. The body is adept at producing nutritious milk from a wide range of foods. Staying hydrated and eating a varied diet is key.

Understanding the psychology behind breastfeeding and its impact on mental health is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for the mother, her partner, and the child. By addressing challenges, seeking support, and promoting emotional well-being, families can navigate the breastfeeding journey with confidence and resilience. Embracing the emotional benefits of breastfeeding can enhance family bonds and contribute to the healthy development of the child.

Join the Celebration

World Breastfeeding Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of breastfeeding and its positive impact on global health. By spreading awareness and supporting mothers, we can help ensure that more babies receive the vital benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Call to Action

Share Your Story: Use the hashtag #WorldBreastfeedingDay to share your breastfeeding experiences on social media. Your story can inspire and encourage other mothers.

Support Breastfeeding Mothers: Offer your support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers in your community. A kind word or a helping hand can make a big difference.

Advocate for Breastfeeding-Friendly Policies: Support initiatives that promote breastfeeding in public spaces and workplaces, ensuring mothers have the resources and support they need.

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Closing Thoughts

As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Day, let’s celebrate the incredible journey of motherhood and the nurturing power of breastfeeding. By embracing and supporting exclusive breastfeeding, we contribute to the well-being of future generations. Remember, you are strong, capable, and an amazing mother.

Thank you for joining us in this important discussion. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on “Health Info with Mims.” Together, we can empower and uplift each other through every stage of life.

Keywords

#World Breastfeeding Day #Exclusive breastfeeding #Benefits of breastfeeding #Breastfeeding support #Breastfeeding challenges #Breastfeeding tips #Breastfeeding and nutrition

Written by : A public health specialist, Miriam Ike Nwaneka