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MOTHER & BABY 41 ABy Margaret Mielczarek. ccording to the World Health Organisation, one way to ensure the health of an infant is to breastfeed. The reason? “Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies, which help protect against many common childhood illnesses”. (WHO, 2020) The WHO (2020) also states that breastmilk is nutritionally complete – that is, it “provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life”. increased risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer, Ms Hull adds that not breastfeeding also increases the mother’s risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Another benefit of breastfeeding is breastmilk’s protective properties against allergies and eczema, says Nutrition Plus Pre and Postnatal Dietitian Melanie McGrice. “Breastmilk is protective against allergies and eczema, so this is another reason why it’s beneficial to breastfeed for as long as possible,” she said. Ms Hull added: “Research has found that in infants who have a genetic predisposition to allergy, exclusive breastfeeding for at least three to fourth months can protect them from eczema, cow’s milk allergy and wheezing in the early years when compared to those fed with formula- based cow’s milk.” But wait, there’s more! It appears that breastmilk also provides allergy protection when the infant begins solids. According to Practice Midwife at East Melbourne Obstetric Group and Gynaecology and Director of The Baby Rap antenatal classes, Prue Hartley, a continuation of breastfeeding when solids are started “may help prevent \[the development of\] an allergy to those foods”. She adds that if formula has been started prior to solids, then it’s important to consider hydrolysed formulas, as they “may reduce the risk of allergies particularly in babies who have a history of allergies in their parents or siblings”. “Extensively hydrolysed formula is available on prescription to babies with a cow’s milk allergy,” Ms Hartley said. Breast is best until you can’t While there is a solid argument for breastfeeding, the opportunity to breastfeed is not something afforded to all women. Some women don’t breastfeed for one reason or another. This makes it important to recognise that while ‘breast is best’, it’s important not to make those who can’t breastfeed feel guilty for their decisions. “Unfortunately, no new mum breezes through breastfeeding,” Ms Hartley said. “When I had my first child, I couldn’t believe how many new challenges I had to overcome. Realistic expectations and allowing yourself time to learn this new skill is critical. As a midwife, I really try to normalise that it’s hard at the beginning, TO PAGE 42 Made in Australia • The WHO (2020) recommends that breastfeeding is initiated “within the first hour of birth” and that infants are “exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life”. • After six months, breastfeeding should continue as a complement to the consumption of food. • Breastfeeding is encouraged for up to two years and beyond. Soothes & Protects Nappy Rash Mild Eczema Dermatitis Sunburn Cuts & Scrapes Fragrance & Colour Free To order or find out more, contact your sales representative directly or call 1300 9 ARROW (27769) www.covitol.com.au Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your health professional. The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Victoria adds that in addition to providing protection for the infant with regard to “infections, allergies and a range of other medical conditions”, breastfeeding also helps to protect the mother “developing ovarian cancer and osteoporosis”, as well as helping the mother “return to her pre-pregnancy weight”. (The Women’s, 2020) Australian Breastfeeding Association Senior Manager Business Information and Research Naomi Hull said: “As breastfeeding is the natural and normal way to feed babies, this should be the benchmark to which other forms of infant feeding are compared. Rather than the ‘benefits’ of breastfeeding, there are risks of not breastfeeding. “There is convincing evidence that not breastfeeding increases the risk of infections in infants, which includes gastrointestinal, respiratory and ear infections, poor cognitive development, an increased risk of SIDS and some childhood cancers, such as leukaemia.” For the mother, in addition to RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAY 2020