Women able to breast-feed thanks to 'support from husbands'

Sari Setiogi, The Jakarta Post

Some fathers play a major role in helping their babies enjoy six months of breast-feeding, the recommended way of feeding a newborn.

Indonesian Breastfeeding Center chairwoman Utami Roesli said a father could help his wife feel relaxed and comfortable, think positive and consume healthy food, which are all that she needs when breast-feeding.

"A new mother needs to feel loved and that others are attentive, needs that can be met by the people around her, particularly her husband," she said after presenting "breast- feeding father awards" to four celebrities here on Monday.

The awards were given to Jikustik vocalist Pongki Tri Barata, husband of TV presenter Sophie Navita; Krakatau drummer Gilang Ramadhan, husband of TV presenter Shannaz Haque; Gigi vocalist Armand Maulana, husband of singer Dewi Gita; and Benny Sarmanella, husband of TV presenter Indy Barends.

Of women surveyed, 98.1 percent said they were able to breast- feed their babies for six months thanks to the help and support of their husbands, who understood the concept of exclusive breast-feeding.

Pediatrician Utami said breast milk was produced through a combination of hormones and reflex.

"When a baby sucks on the nipple, the prolactin reflex takes place. It stimulates the production of breast milk. However, the flow of breast milk would be disrupted without the oxytocyn reflex," she said.

Oxytocyn reflex, also known as the love reflex which occurs during orgasm, can take place when mothers feel comfortable and relaxed, said Utami.

Sophie said she experienced post-partum depression syndrome, or the baby blues, during the first months after the birth of her boy Rangga, but she managed to control her emotion with the help of husband Pongki.

"I became easily upset and could cry for no reason. But when Pongki hugged me it would calm me," said Sophie, who was named ambassador of exclusive breast-feeding for the Indonesian Breastfeeding Center.

Sophie said that at the time she was very upset that Pongki kept on touring with his band and was surrounded by young women.

Utami said the baby blues, which is common among new mothers, affected the flow of breast milk and in some extreme cases could lead a mother to commit suicide.