Husbands contribute to breast-feeding: Studies

Husbands contribute to breast-feeding: Studies

Sari P. Setiogi
Jakarta

A month after his first child was born, vocalist of boyband
Jikustik and career night owl, Stefanus Pongki Tri Barata,
decided to always be home by 8 p.m.

Pongki can still be found awake at night, but for a different
purpose: changing his son's diapers or singing a lullaby while
rocking the infant on his shoulder, and giving his wife, TV
presenter Sophie Navita, more time to sleep.

Sophie said Pongki changed his habits after she spoke of the
difficulties she had in breast-feeding Rangga, now nine months
old. She also recalled she sometimes cried for no reason, and was
upset about Pongki continuing to tour with his band and about him
being surrounded by young women.

Doctors diagnosed Sophie with postpartum depression syndrome,
which affects the flow of breast milk. In some extreme cases, a
new mother may become suicidal.

Pediatrician and Indonesian Breast-feeding Center chairman
Utami Roesli said women desperately needed physical and moral
support from their husbands when breast-feeding, as "feeling
relaxed and happy will help a woman produce a good flow of breast
milk".

The center presented several awards last week in conjunction
with World Breastfeeding Week, which concluded on Aug. 7, and
Pongki was among the recipients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive
breast-feeding for newborns -- that they receive only breast milk
for the first six months.

WHO said breast milk protected babies from diarrhea and acute
respiratory infections -- the two leading causes of infant death
-- while stimulating their response to vaccinations.

"Breast-fed babies are 16 times less likely to be hospitalized
later in life, 20 times less likely to suffer diarrhea, 17 times
less likely to have pneumonia and four times less likely to have
meningitis," said Utami.

A WHO study has also found that breast milk enhances brain and
cognitive development. One study showed that the average IQ of
children who were exclusively breast-fed was 14 points higher
than those who consumed infant formulas.

Another new father, Paul, said his wife Susan became highly
irritable in the few months following the birth of their first
child, Jocelyn.

"When she was feeling blue, she became neglectful of Jocelyn's
need for milk. She said she was tired," Paul said.

After consulting their pediatrician, Paul learned that Susan
was suffering from postpartum depression.

"I know Susan spends time and energy on breast-feeding,
particularly in the first six months after Jocelyn's birth. I
don't mind doing the household chores, whatever other people
might say," said Paul, who was waiting with Jocelyn for her
appointment with the pediatrician.

He realized that Susan's exhaustion was contributing to
Jocelyn's growing need for breast milk.

"It might be strange for some people to see me looking for
diapers, baby food or feminine goods in a supermarket," he said.

Paul, who works at a foreign company, lauded his employer for
encouraging him to support Susan. The company allows him to
accompany his wife for routine check-ups with their pediatrician
during working hours.

"It's a family-friendly company indeed," he said.

Utami said most women were concerned about exclusive breast-
feeding, particularly in regards the accompanying change in their
breasts and their husbands' reaction to it.

"The fear does not make sense, as pregnancy itself is the
greatest cause of changes in breasts," she said, underlining that
all physical changes after delivery were natural, that husbands
had to accept them.

Paul was enthusiastic in his acceptance of changes in his
wife's appearance.

"Breast-feeding gives my wife Pamela Anderson's boobs and
Jennifer Lopez' hips. But I like (Susan's) even better," he
laughed.

10 reasons for fathers to support breast-feeding:

1. Breast-fed children generally develop an IQ 14 points higher
than children raised on infant formulas.
2. Nursing helps mothers lose weight after birth, as breast-
feeding burns about 500 extra calories per day.
3. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition.
4. Breast-feeding decreases the risk of breast cancer in mothers.
5. Breast-feeding protects babies against diarrhea and
respiratory infections.
6. Risk of obesity is lower in breast-fed babies.
7. Breast-feeding enhances vaccine effectiveness.
8. Breast milk is free.
9. Breast milk is easier to prepare than an infant formula -- no
heating, no refrigerating, no mixing and no cleaning.
10. Breast milk is always ready (and comes in a nicer package).

Sources: Utami Roesli; ProMoM magazine