Breastfeeding

“We learn to be human at our mother’s breast” – Ashley Montagu
As Montagu, an anthroposophist suggests, there is more to Breastfeeding than the exchange of nutrients. Breast-milk is actually the best protective medicine a newborn can have. The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but did you know that this practice can also having an analgesic (pain reducing) effect on babies? A recent study showed breastfeeding reduced symptomatic evidence of pain in over 70% of babies in the trial, and simultaneously prevented an elevation in heart rate that usually accompanies pain.

For a new born baby, breast milk is their single source of nutrition, and evidence suggests that it can reduce their risk of future illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and slow cognitive development. According to Christine Northrup, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, “children who are breast-fed have one-third fewer hospitalisations than those who are bottle-fed, and they have many fewer allergies.” (1998:476)

Breastfeeding also benefits a mother by reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, facilitating a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight, improving future bone health, and reducing the amount of post-partum bleeding. However it is not always straightforward to breastfeed. Approximately 53% of new mothers experience breast issues such as sore or cracked nipples or discomfort while feeding. Poor adherence of a babys mouth when feeding can cause sore nipples, as can limiting the feeding time, which will make a baby suck harder when they are next on the breast. A Nipple Care Cream is essential for breastfeeding, and one containing herbs such as Calendula will help to reduce inflammation, a precursor to pain. Also try placing a warm compress over the breast before feeding to open the milk ducts more and improve milk flow. In the past women have used wet cabbage leaves topically, and this is a very effective way to relieve mastitis, should your breasts become inflamed. Other remedies include a homeopathic combination of Apis, Belladonna and Phytolacca. You can also protect nipple skin by rubbing excess milk around the nipple and allowing the breasts to air-dry after feeding. Where milk production is too low, drink a Nursing tea that includes fennel, fenugreek, dill and caraway to support healthy breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

  • Invaluable source of nutrition
  • Fewer respiratory infections, food allergies and intolerances/li>
  • Lowered risk of eczema and skin allergies
  • Reduced risk of chronic disease later in life
  • May lessen pain sensation
  • Better digestive health

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother

  • Reduced risk of oestrogen dependent cancers
  • Important bonding practice with baby
  • Convenience. Less fuss using bottles and formula feed
  • Stimulates mineralisation of bone
  • Aids post pregnancy weight loss

Breast-milk is persistently declared the best form of nutrition for babies, and the World Health Organisation recommends breast-feeding for the first two years of a babies life. It is best to avoid alcohol, unnecessary medicinal drugs and smoking in order to reduce exposure of harmful chemicals to the baby. Supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids by mothers is thought to offer some protection against dangerous chemicals. To specifically enhance the purity and nutrition of your breast milk, drink a Nursing tea. Fennel, an essential ingredient in such a tea, will reduce the gas-producing effects of certain foods and will help to prevent colic in babies. When fatigue hits, have a small serving of sweetened Blackthorn elixir twice daily, to boost breast milk supply and revive a tired body. Cinnamon can be added to teas and foods to improve uterine health after birth.

Concerns with Breastfeeding

One concern about breastfeeding that has been prominent in the media for some time now relates to the ingestion of chemicals by babies who breastfeed. There is nothing inherently wrong with a mothers breast-milk. Rather it is the presence of chemicals in the home or at work which are the problem. Such chemicals can include detergents, cosmetics, herbicides and pesticides and sometimes occupational-related substances. Another source of dangerous substances in breast-milk is biomagnification – where unhealthy substances are passed from one animal to another up the food chain through ingestion, usually ending up in humans. The best way to protect your baby from chemicals is to take a natural and organic approach to foods, skincare and household goods. Changing to an organic diet for example has been shown to dramatically reduce the levels of chemicals in an infants bloodstream to virtually nil. It is similarly useful in adults.