Permanent and temporary barriers that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children

 The permanent and temporary barriers that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children are many and different among mothers in terms of the nature of the causes and effects. Providing healthy and useful breastfeeding tips for the mother and her baby.

Breastfeeding

Before defining the permanent and temporary barriers that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children, it is worth noting that breastfeeding is an innate process represented in feeding the newborn with milk produced by the mother’s breasts through sucking. Classes and types of mammals, as it continues from birth until weaning, allow to strengthen the digestive system of the infant and provide adequate immunity, as well as stimulate the secretion of many beneficial hormones physically and psychologically.

Breast milk ingredients

It is worth noting that mother's milk is affected by lifestyle and diet, but it varies according to the infant's health requirements, as it turns from colostrum to normal milk within three weeks, and it generally consists of the following:

• 87.5% of water.
• 7% of sugars.
• 4% of fats.
• 1% of the protein.
• 0.5% of micro-nutrients such as salts and vitamins.

Permanent and temporary barriers that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children

The permanent and temporary obstacles that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children are as follows:

Infection of the mother

Some viral diseases and infections are transmitted from the mother to her infant, so it is necessary to stop breastfeeding. It is necessary and obligatory for the mother to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms of infection appear, such as skin rashes, coughing, and diarrhea, to ensure that the newborn can continue to breastfeed.

Antibodies in milk

Some nursing mothers may suffer from autoimmune diseases such as low platelets in the blood and thyroid diseases, which lead to the production of antibodies that attack tissues and cells of the body, which are transmitted through milk.

breast disorders

Among the permanent and temporary obstacles that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children are breast diseases and breast ulcers resulting from the accumulation of milk in the breast, or infection with some diseases that do not necessarily require stopping breastfeeding, but the medicines prescribed by the doctor may be an obstacle to breastfeeding the newborn.

A new pregnancy

In most cases, the amount of milk decreases during pregnancy, so the infant gradually stops asking for breast milk. Also, some doctors and in some special cases advise the mother to stop breastfeeding the newborn to preserve her health and the health of the new fetus.

child injury

Among the rare reasons that prevent a mother from feeding her newborn with natural milk for a temporary period, we mention that the infant has some digestive problems and disorders such as vomiting or diarrhea, but pediatricians advise mothers to continue the breastfeeding process until the child adapts and the disorders disappear.

Maternal osteoporosis

During the breastfeeding process, calcium leaks from the mother’s bones into her breasts, which increases the possibility of the mother suffering from osteoporosis. The duration of breastfeeding is limited to only six weeks to give the newborn sufficient immunity against infection, then resort to feeding with formula milk appropriate for his age. 

Poor milk production

Sometimes one of the impeding reasons, whether temporary or permanent, that prevents some mothers from breast-feeding their children is poor milk production for various reasons that lead to resorting to formula milk, but it is necessary to try to strengthen and increase the generation of milk quantities in natural ways through natural and healthy foods.

Cancer of the mother

One of the permanent and temporary obstacles that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children is cancer, especially if they undergo chemotherapy sessions, or take some dangerous medications.

Infection of the mother with sexually transmitted diseases

It is strictly forbidden for the mother to breastfeed the newborn if she is infected with a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV, which are diseases transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth, and breastfeeding as it leads to serious complications that may lead to death.

Infection of the mother with any mental or neurological diseases

Among the most important and prominent permanent or temporary reasons that prevent some mothers from naturally breastfeeding their children are neurological and psychological diseases, especially in the event of receiving treatment, following some special diets, and taking medications.

Breastfeeding Tips

After the article and after identifying the most important reasons that prevent the mother from breastfeeding the newborn naturally, whether permanent or temporary, here is a list of some tips for healthy breastfeeding for both parties:

• Follow a healthy diet and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids.
• Be careful in taking medications and consult a doctor.
• Nipple and breast care.
• Giving the infant the freedom to choose the frequency of feeding.

The permanent and temporary barriers that hinder some mothers from breastfeeding their children vary according to the period and the reasons. It is worth noting that the benefits of breastfeeding are innumerable, as it helps the jaw to grow correctly, avoids the abnormal growth of the teeth, and gives the infant strong and integrated immunity, As for the mother, it raises the percentage of oxytocin, which leads to the contraction of the uterus after childbirth and the reduction of postpartum bleeding.