Breastfeeding Mothers need your support

3. Support to carry out exclusive breastfeeding.Adequate breastfeeding depends upon two factors – baby’s suckling, which helps to produce more milk, and the mother’s state of mind – if she is free from stress, anxiety and fear and is confident, the milk will flow easily from the breast to the baby. If any of the two factors are missing, the mother may experience problems in breastfeeding, and the baby may not get enough breastmilk. This will further the stress and anxiety in the mother, cause problems such as breast engorgement, painful breasts, ulcers, etc., which in turn will cause further stress and anxiety. A supportive family and friends can do much to help women who are facing such problems.

Sometimes, women who face problems during breastfeeding may need the help of counsellors who are trained in providing emotional support and accurate information. These can be Mother Support Groups, lactation counsellors, health workers trained in counselling skills. They may also need treatment for problems such as painful breasts, cracked nipples, ulcers, etc