This year’s World Breastfeeding Week fell on the 1-7th of August 2022 with the theme Step up for Breastfeeding; Educate and Support. Your decision to breastfeed or not depends solely on you, no matter what anyone says and this year’s theme to Educate and Support calls on all of us, both men and women, mothers, friends, relatives and the public to support our New moms.

I recall my first time seeing someone breastfeed, I was about 8/9 and was watching my auntie breastfeed. I found it fascinating and strange – how is the body doing that, what is coming out, where exactly was it being made etc.; she was patient enough to explain to the best of my young understanding and even expressed so I could see what my cousin was taking.

Fast forward to when I had my own baby, I wasn’t torn about my decision to feed my girl both formula and breast – the decision was based more on my circumstances at the time, I had to go back to school, and that meant I couldn’t exclusively breastfeed for 6months, I also didn’t want her so attached to me, switching to bottle or another caregiver would cause issues. Thanks to Dumsor, express and freeze was out of the question kraa. I had settled this with myself even before I went to the hospital, I took formula along kraa. Fortunately, my girl took to both, and adjusted to my absence very well. I came home quite often and continued breastfeeding till she was 3years (I was home full time by her 9th month).

Was this decision easy for me? No. I felt bad because of all the noise of exclusive breastfeeding is best, I felt I was a bad mother for not giving her that.

Did I research on it? Big Yes. I read everything I could find on breastfeeding and its benefits, formula feeding, choosing the right formula, choosing the right bottles to avoid nipple confusion, etc.

Am I satisfied with my decision? 100%, and will definitely do it again. I had support from my family, the nurses and midwives who attended to me at the hospital, friends and teachers who encouraged me and helped me with my school work so I could come home more often.

I know not many people get the kind of support I got and that is why this year’s theme is dear to me.

Supporting a mother, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, should not be something you have to think twice about. Mothers spend so much time questioning every decision they take especially with regards to their kids; the least you can do is SUPPORT them.

Although breastfeeding has many advantages, not everyone even knows this – thus the EDUCATION part of the theme. Let’s see if we can cover a few of these.

Advantages of Breastfeeding for:

BABY

• Easy to digest and promotes healthy baby weight
• Boosts baby’s immune system and also contains antibodies necessary for baby
• Per WHO, breastfed babies are more intellectual and fit
• Less chance of being overweight, obese and prone to Diabetes
• May reduce disease risks such as middle ear infection, colds and infections, SIDS, allergies, bowel diseases, childhood cancers, etc.
• Saves cost

MOM

• Decreases risks of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
• Reduces risks of developing type II Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
• Helps in the prevention and recovery of post-partum depression
• Helps with weight loss
• Causes the uterus to contract which helps with the healing process after delivery
• Family planning

These are just a few benefits but there certainly are disadvantages to everything and am sure we can all mention some.

Some disadvantages include:

● Depression: Some mothers become overwhelmed and depressed especially when they have no support and are alone with baby all day, for days on end. Some have reported feeling like milk machines or cows, as if they have no life outside caring for their little one. If you or anyone you know feels like this, it is best to seek help, either from family, a therapist (highly recommended) or a spiritual leader you can trust.

● Cost: Breastfeeding can be expensive if the mother has to return to work but still wants to do exclusive. From buying bottles, pumps, storage bags, coolers for storing at work, etc. Not all mothers get the chance to stay home for the full 6months, Maternity leave in Ghana kraa is just 12weeks and you have less time if you came home earlier.

Insert pic of pump and bottles set

● Public Exposure: Some mothers are unable to breastfeed in public spaces and this can cause them to feel isolated as they will miss out on a lot of functions or events. I am not a shy person personally but breastfeeding in public took some getting used to, fortunately I could rely on feeding her from the bottle in public (formula or breastmilk).

● Lack of support: Breastfeeding is a solo activity, and unless you express, no one can assist you in feeding baby. Some mothers feel their partners, family and friends are not supportive because “all” the care is left to them. I say ‘all’ because baby may become attached to the mom and not want others to handle even a diaper change. This can leave mom exhausted and worn out.

● Body image: Some mothers struggle with their body image even before breastfeeding and will not bother with it. Saggy breasts, stretch marks, etc. Pregnancy already dealt with them, they are not ready for more, and that is perfectly understandable

Despite the advantages and disadvantages mentioned here, the decision to breastfeed or not is yours to make. It’s best to discuss with your partner, and come to an agreement as the alternative is also on the high side if not planned properly.

I took my decision after researching, and coming to terms with my choice. This is a personal choice you have to make, do not let anyone pressure you to do what you cannot do.

Always TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS and remember a HEALTHY, HAPPY BABY is the goal.

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