Exclusive Advice for First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers in Nigeria

Exclusive Advice for First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers in Nigeria

Empowering New Nigerian Mothers: Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of infant health, providing unmatched nutrition and protection against diseases. However, new Nigerian mothers may face common challenges such as latching problems, low milk supply, sore nipples, and lack of support or guidance.

To address these issues, a combination of practical techniques, professional assistance, and digital health interventions can prove beneficial.

Latching Problems

Correct positioning and latch are crucial. Mothers should seek help from healthcare professionals to observe and correct their latch during feeding sessions, ideally before hospital discharge. If the baby struggles to latch properly, expressing milk regularly (either manually or with a breast pump) helps maintain milk supply and avoid engorgement.

Low Milk Supply

Frequent and complete milk removal by breastfeeding or pumping stimulates production. Mothers can pump after feeds if the baby does not fully empty the breast. Some digital tools, like the AI-powered SMS breastfeeding support app "Mwana," provide personalized advice on milk supply management and other concerns in Lagos, Nigeria.

Sore Nipples

Ensuring a good latch is the first step; poor latch causes nipple pain and complications like blocked ducts or mastitis. Healthcare providers can guide mothers on proper breastfeeding techniques to reduce nipple trauma. The "Mwana" app also addresses nipple pain with specific chatbot flows offering targeted support.

Lack of Support or Guidance

New mothers are encouraged to seek help from trained healthcare workers, lactation consultants, or breastfeeding counselors such as those from La Leche League. Incorporating mHealth solutions like the AI-driven Mwana app can supplement traditional support, offering accessible breastfeeding counseling via SMS, especially in resource-limited settings.

However, such digital tools might still face challenges in handling complex queries and cultural nuances, highlighting the importance of combining technology with human support.

In summary, overcoming common breastfeeding challenges requires:

• Hands-on professional support for breastfeeding technique and latch correction.
• Regular milk removal practices, including pumping if necessary, to sustain milk supply.
• Utilization of culturally relevant digital health tools like the Mwana app for personalized, accessible guidance.
• Seeking continued professional and community support throughout the postpartum period.

This combined approach addresses physical breastfeeding barriers and the crucial need for reliable support, improving exclusive breastfeeding rates and infant health outcomes among Nigerian mothers.

The benefits of breastfeeding extend to the mother as well, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and aiding in postpartum weight loss. For mothers, breastfeeding helps in postpartum weight loss and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Trust your instincts when breastfeeding, as every mother-baby duo is unique. Lactation consultants are available to provide personalized guidance for breastfeeding challenges.

Applying a warm compress to the breasts before feeds can encourage milk letdown. Embrace the beauty of breastfeeding in public, a step towards normalizing it and dismantling any lingering stigma. Joining local breastfeeding support groups allows mothers to connect with others facing similar challenges, providing a valuable network of understanding and encouragement.

Sources: [1] Abimbola, A. O., & Oyeniyi, A. O. (2018). Breastfeeding practices and challenges among new mothers in Lagos, Nigeria. International Breastfeeding Journal, 13(1), 6. [2] World Health Organization. (2021). Breastfeeding in the first hours of life. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/elena/titles/breastfeeding_first_hours/en/ [3] Mwana. (n.d.). About Mwana. Retrieved from https://mwana.ng/about/

1. To ensure a successful breastfeeding experience, new Nigerian mothers must familiarize themselves with crucial techniques like proper latch and positioning.
2. Seeking assistance from healthcare professionals to correct any latch issues before hospital discharge is vital for breastfeeding success.
3. Expressing milk through manual expression or a breast pump helps maintain milk supply and avoid engorgement when the baby struggles to latch properly.
4. Maintaining a consistent flow of milk by frequently and completely removing it can stimulate production and sustain milk supply.
5. The AI-powered SMS breastfeeding support app "Mwana" offers personalized advice for milk supply management, nipple pain, and other concerns in Lagos, Nigeria.
6. A correct latch is crucial for preventing nipple pain and complications like blocked ducts or mastitis; healthcare providers can guide mothers on proper breastfeeding techniques.
7. Incorporating mHealth solutions like the Mwana app can supplement traditional support for breastfeeding, providing accessible counseling in resource-limited settings.
8. Despite the benefits of digital health tools, they may still face challenges in handling complex queries and cultural nuances, highlighting the importance of combining technology with human support.
9. Regular breastfeeding, lactation consultant support, and local breastfeeding support groups can help new mothers navigate challenges, foster a sense of community, and encourage successful breastfeeding.
10. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby's health but also offers advantages to the mother, such as reducing the risk of postpartum depression and aiding postpartum weight loss.
11. In addition, breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers and promote skin-care health during the nursing period by providing a natural moisturizer.

Read also: