Breast-feeding mothers need support<\/p>\n
Sari P. Setiogi, Jakarta<\/p>\n
A month after his first child was born, vocalist of boyband
\nJikustik and career night owl, Stefanus Pongki Tri Barata,
\ndecided to always be home by 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Pongki can still be found awake at night, but for a different
\npurpose: changing his son's diapers or singing a lullaby while
\nrocking the infant on his shoulder, and giving his wife, TV
\npresenter Sophie Navita, more time to sleep.<\/p>\n
Sophie said Pongki changed his habits after she spoke of the
\ndifficulties she had in breast-feeding Rangga, now nine months
\nold. She also recalled she sometimes cried for no reason, and was
\nupset about Pongki continuing to tour with his band and about him
\nbeing surrounded by young women.<\/p>\n
Doctors diagnosed Sophie with postpartum depression syndrome,
\nwhich affects the flow of breast milk. In some extreme cases, a
\nnew mother may become suicidal.<\/p>\n
Pediatrician and Indonesian Breast-feeding Center chairman
\nUtami Roesli said women desperately needed physical and moral
\nsupport from their husbands when breast-feeding, as \"feeling
\nrelaxed and happy will help a woman produce a good flow of breast
\nmilk\".<\/p>\n
The center presented several awards last week in conjunction
\nwith World Breastfeeding Week, which concluded on Aug. 7, and
\nPongki was among the recipients.<\/p>\n
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive
\nbreast-feeding for newborns -- that they receive only breast milk
\nfor the first six months.<\/p>\n
WHO said breast milk protected babies from diarrhea and acute
\nrespiratory infections -- the two leading causes of infant death
\n-- while stimulating their response to vaccinations.<\/p>\n
\"Breast-fed babies are 16 times less likely to be hospitalized
\nlater in life, 20 times less likely to suffer diarrhea, 17 times
\nless likely to have pneumonia and four times less likely to have
\nmeningitis,\" said Utami.<\/p>\n
A WHO study has also found that breast milk enhances brain and
\ncognitive development. One study showed that the average IQ of
\nchildren who were exclusively breast-fed was 14 points higher
\nthan those who consumed infant formulas.<\/p>\n
Another new father, Paul, said his wife Susan became highly
\nirritable in the few months following the birth of their first
\nchild, Jocelyn.<\/p>\n
\"When she was feeling blue, she became neglectful of Jocelyn's
\nneed for milk. She said she was tired,\" Paul said.<\/p>\n
After consulting their pediatrician, Paul learned that Susan
\nwas suffering from postpartum depression.<\/p>\n
\"I know Susan spends time and energy on breast-feeding,
\nparticularly in the first six months after Jocelyn's birth. I
\ndon't mind doing the household chores, whatever other people
\nmight say,\" said Paul, who was waiting with Jocelyn for her
\nappointment with the pediatrician.<\/p>\n
He realized that Susan's exhaustion was contributing to
\nJocelyn's growing need for breast milk.<\/p>\n
\"It might be strange for some people to see me looking for
\ndiapers, baby food or feminine goods in a supermarket,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Paul, who works at a foreign company, lauded his employer for
\nencouraging him to support Susan. The company allows him to
\naccompany his wife for routine check-ups with their pediatrician
\nduring working hours.<\/p>\n
\"It's a family-friendly company indeed,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Utami said most women were concerned about exclusive breast-
\nfeeding, particularly in regards the accompanying change in their
\nbreasts and their husbands' reaction to it.<\/p>\n
\"The fear does not make sense, as pregnancy itself is the
\ngreatest cause of changes in breasts,\" she said, underlining that
\nall physical changes after delivery were natural, that husbands
\nhad to accept them.<\/p>\n
Paul was enthusiastic in his acceptance of changes in his
\nwife's appearance.<\/p>\n
\"Breast-feeding gives my wife Pamela Anderson's boobs and
\nJennifer Lopez' hips. But I like (Susan's) even better,\" he
\nlaughed.<\/p>\n
10 reasons for fathers to support breast-feeding:<\/p>\n
1. Breast-fed children generally develop an IQ 14 points higher
\nthan children raised on infant formulas.<\/p>\n
2. Nursing helps mothers lose weight after birth, as breast-
\nfeeding burns about 500 extra calories per day.<\/p>\n
3. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition.<\/p>\n
4. Breast-feeding decreases the risk of breast cancer in mothers.<\/p>\n
5. Breast-feeding protects babies against diarrhea and
\nrespiratory infections.<\/p>\n
6. Risk of obesity is lower in breast-fed babies.<\/p>\n
7. Breast-feeding enhances vaccine effectiveness.<\/p>\n
8. Breast milk is free.<\/p>\n
9. Breast milk is easier to prepare than an infant formula -- no
\nheating, no refrigerating, no mixing and no cleaning.<\/p>\n
10. Breast milk is always ready (and comes in a nicer package).<\/p>\n
Sources: Utami Roesli; ProMoM magazine<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/breast-feeding-mothers-need-support-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }