IMPORTANCE OF LACTATION EDUCATION AND SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS

Breastfeeding is one of the most crucial aspects of the post-partum period. It is the natural way to feed and nurture the newborn infant. Besides, breastfeeding has other benefits too, such as enhancing the psychological well being of the mother as well as preventing various diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart diseases, breast and ovarian cancer, etc.

In the case of first time deliveries, proper lactation education and support is essential for mothers so that they effectively breastfeed their infants and learn about the importance of breastfeeding. Lactation education and support are offered at most free women’s health clinic across the country, and they provide effective support and awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding.

Why Breastfeeding is Important

Breastfeeding provides the newborn infant with the right amount of nutrition that aids in the development of immunological, psychological, and developmental aspects of the child. Breast milk is rich in many vital nutrients that provide the infant essential antibodies for preventing any infections.

The importance of lactation education lies in the fact that most mothers resort to other means of feeding the newborn infant. Most mothers use various synthetic products available that are substituted for breast milk for feeding the child. Using such substitutes are never recommended as they contain many artificial substances that can hinder the proper development of the child. Besides, a newborn child strictly requires essential nutrients and antibodies for proper development that is lacking in most breast milk substitutes.

Lactation education and support provided by our free women’s health clinic uses a systematic approach in informing mothers about various facets of breastfeeding and ways to provide it properly to the child. Lactation education makes mothers aware regarding the need to abandon the unconventional methods in feeding the child and persuades them to resort to breastfeeding.

Professionals in our free women’s health clinic use various methods to achieve this such as through breastfeeding classes that will educate the mothers in effectively giving breast milk to their child. Besides that, the support services also address many important problems that most mothers have in breastfeeding.

Many of the free women’s health clinic in the country also run breastfeeding support groups to offer additional help to new mothers. Lactation education also involves educating mothers on various methods in increasing breast milk. It also offers outpatient consultation for women having any difficulties in breastfeeding. Moreover, health clinics offering lactation education and support provide breast pumps for mothers needing medical assistance.