Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist
Breast feeding is an important milestone for a woman and her child. It has lots of benefits both short and long term. But sadly the percentage of women who breastfeed in the developed world is reducing. Being a supportive partner is an important aspect of this process. Fathers can be of two types-those who feel left out when it comes to breastfeeding and those who want to be left out. But really the importance of their presence cannot be more emphasized. The aim of this article is to better prepare men on their role as fathers. In the Asian community, child rearing is normally left to the mother and the fathers assume the role of providing for the family. This mindset needs to change with times as now many women are also working mothers.
For the newborn father, it is as important for him to understand the advantages of breastfeeding as it is for the mother. Their role begins during pregnancy when they learn about the benefits of breastfeeding. Positive encouragement sets the tone on making it a top priority for their family. Reading up and acquiring knowledge together creates a stronger environment for the couple, hence ensuring better succes. After delivery, other then fatigue, mothers also have to deal with hormonal changes that could make them feel more temperamental than usual. It is then that fathers should show support, emphathy and encouragement to help them through that phase. Farthers need to step in at this point with kind words of encouragement and praise for their untiring efforts. A little sense of humors can help ease the tension and perhaps assistance from hospital nursing staff on correct breastfeeding techniques.
Once breasfeeding has been established, the fathers' role increases with add-ons like diapers changing, burping and rocking the child back to sleep. This gives the mother the much needed rest to get through the next day. Bonding with the child is as important for the father as for the mother. Playing, cuddling and comforting strengthen their bond and also provide time for mummy to continue with other daily chores. When the time comes for mothers to return to work, it becomes more difficult at this point, but continual support and encouragement from daddy can contribute to a conducive environment for successful breastfeeding.
Let's go through some of the benefits of breastfeeding
Breast milk has the best balance of protein, fat and minerals for child's development. The content of the milk will change as the child grows. In this way the child will always receive the right amount of nutrients for all stages of its growth. It also is essential in protecting the child from a variety of infections. It contains immunoglobulins which will provide passive immunity. The most common problem amongst non breast fed infant is bowel issues especially diarrhoea. It has been noted in some studies that children who were breast fed for 3 months were found to have less incidence of vomiting and diarrhoea. A lot of research has proven that for proper development of the brain, long chain fatty acids are essential. Breast milk is a good source for these fatty acids. These researches have seen improved cognitive functions and better intelligence quotient (IQ) among breast fed babies. The benefits were also seen in preterm or low birth weight babies.
The most common alternative for breast milk is cow's milk. However, most of its constituents differ in amount compared to breast milk, making breast milk ideal for the development of the child. Allergic conditions can be distressing for both parents and their child. Skin allergies causing rashes are known to be more common among those who were not breast fed. These are triggered by certain immunoglobulin in cow's milk. The risk increases if there is a strong history of allergies in the family. The incidence of asthma too decreases in those who are breast fed as the triggering factors are not present in mother's milk. Many professionals will advise parents against the intorduction of wearing foods at an early stage as it is a common cause for these problems. By introducing it later (six months) one can help build the child's immunity to a sufficient level. There are also long term benefits of breastfeeding. Juvenile diabetes mellitus, childhood obesity and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood are reduced by half among those who were breastfed.
Benefits were also seen among mothers who breastfed. As incidence of breast cancer is continously increasing worldwide there have been many epidemiological studies on the factors to reduce breast cancer. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk many fold. Breast feeding is a form of natural contraception but not only if the child exclusively breast fed up to six months. It also provides spacing between pregnancies which is essential for women to recuperate. Another attractive benefit for mother is the greater postpartum weight loss associated with breastfeeding thus regaining ones' figure in a relatively shorter time.
In summary, there are many benefits of breastfeeding. With a good supportive spouse, the mother and her newborn can reap the maximum benefits. Although breastfeeding is mainly the mother's job, fathers have a pivotal role in its success.
- Sources from Mama to Mama EnfaMama Club Vol 2/2012 -
