Breastfeeding and Physiotherapy

Introduction

The act of breastfeeding is natural but does not always come easy. Many women struggle with breastfeeding and feel like they need help. That is where physiotherapy can come in. Physiotherapists are trained to assist women with breastfeeding, from latch to positioning to milk production. They can provide much-needed support and guidance for women struggling to breastfeed. If they are thinking about starting to breastfeed or are having difficulties breastfeeding, consider seeking out the help of a physiotherapist. Here is what one needs to know about the role of physiotherapy in breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively until they are at least six months old and then continue nursing them until they are at least 12 months old or older if they choose to do so. But even though breastfeeding has many health benefits, not all women can nurse their babies how they want to. However, prenatal classes can help inform women about the health advantages of breastfeeding, both for babies and mothers, and instructors can explain to women the process and techniques they can use to breastfeed effectively.

In today's society, many people lack knowledge about the importance of breastfeeding. Many people view breastmilk as nothing more than something necessary for a baby's survival and not something that has health benefits for both mother and child. However, breast milk has health advantages for both mother and baby, which can be explained in prenatal classes.

What Is the Importance of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is an essential process for both mothers and babies. It helps to build a strong bond between them, provides essential nutrients for the baby, and helps to protect the baby from illnesses. Physiotherapy in breastfeeding supports mothers in achieving a good latch, position, and attachment of their baby to the breast. They can also help with any pain or discomfort associated with breastfeeding.

Breast milk has the perfect composition for babies to grow and develop. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months protects against ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, and eczema. Breast milk also contains immune factors that protect against bacteria and viruses, so mothers can breastfeed even when they are sick or have an infection like a cold sore.

Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to develop breast cancer later in life than women who do not breastfeed or give their baby formula. And exclusive breastfeeding for 12 months lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 40 %.

In addition, exclusive breastfeeding helps infants to be able to regulate their body temperature better than if given formula and allows them to maintain their food intake more efficiently. Nursing is essential on demand rather than the schedule for health reasons and bonding with the mother.

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both mother and child.

• Benefits of Breastfeeding in Babies:

  • Strong mother bonds with her child.

  • It helps the child develop a healthy immune system.

  • It is easy to digest for the baby and can help reduce the risk of certain illnesses, such as gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia, sudden infant death syndrome, malocclusion, and diarrhea.

  • Reduced risk of obesity and diabetes.

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  • Supports healthy development of the brain.

• Benefits of Breastfeeding In Mothers:

  • Breastfeeding can help the mother lose weight post-pregnancy.

  • Lower the hemorrhage frequency (postpartum hemorrhage); it may reduce her risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer.

  • Breastfeeding may also reduce expenses (formula milk is costly if the child is not breastfed).

  • Helps delay a new pregnancy.

What Are the Constitutes of Breast Milk?

Breast milk comprises water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

• The composition of breast milk changes throughout a feed and over a day. For example, breast milk produced at the beginning of a feed is called foremilk. It is bluish-gray, lower in fat than the milk produced towards the end of a feed, somewhat creamy in color, and fulfills the hunger called hindmilk. Therefore breastfeeding should be done for at least 15 to 30 minutes to help baby weight gain.

• The composition of breast milk also changes over a day. For example, morning milk has more protein than evening milk. Nighttime milk has more fat than daytime milk.

• The composition of breast milk also varies from woman to woman and from baby to baby. Some babies may be allergic to specific proteins in breast milk, which can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting.

How Much Quantity of Breast Milk Have Produced?

An individual's breast milk production is correlated to their dose-response relationship - the more babies are fed, the more milk a woman will produce. Therefore the positive response of breastfeeding within 24 hours on milk production on days three and five after baby birth. Colostrum is the first breast milk produced in the first two to three days after delivery. On the first day, it is produced in small amounts, about 40-50ml. Later on the third day, an infant takes about 400 to 500 ml within 24 hours, and on the fifth day, it is about 500-800ml. It is high in antibodies and has been shown to have several health benefits for both mother and baby. It also helps increase an infant’s immunity from illness. It can take up to six weeks after birth before colostrum is replaced by mature breast milk. It is essential for mothers who want to breastfeed their infants exclusively for the first six months of life to continue producing enough colostrum during pregnancy.

What Are Breastfeeding Holds and Positioning?

An important aspect of breastfeeding is positioning and attachment. Good latch points are

• When the baby's mouth is open wide.

• Lips are flanged out and covered one to two inches below the nipple.

• The tongue touches the bottom teeth, and the chin is pressed into the breast.

• When a woman with a good latch point will likely produce enough milk for her baby. Poor latch points are

• Pressing down the breast near the baby’s mouth.

• Baby being too close to the breast so that the baby's nose is covered with breast tissue.

• Baby's chin pulled down.

• Insertion of a finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth

Poor latching leads to pain in the breast, nipple pain, or even blocked ducts that lead to infections.

Learning about breastfeeding during prenatal classes can help women prepare for this type of information and help them get their babies off to a good start in life with proper nutrition.

What Are the Checkpoints for Mothers During Breastfeeding?

• Mother should be relaxed and comfortable with good posture and correct body alignment.

• Mothers’ arms and backs should be well supported.

• Supported Baby’s head and body in a proper manner.

• The baby’s head should be at the breast level of the breast.

• Baby’s ears, shoulders, and hips should be straight.

• Chest-to-chest positioning means the baby's chest is facing toward the mother's chest.

• The baby’s nose is facing toward the nipple, and the chin should touch the mother’s breast.

What Are the Positions of the Baby During Breastfeeding?

1. Cradle Hold

It is the easiest and most commonly used position comfortable for both mother and baby in which the mother supports the baby's head on forearms. The baby's body is facing the mother. It is well-worked for full-term babies who were delivered vaginally.

2. Cross-Over Hold or Cross Cradle or Transitional Hold

This position differs from cradle hold in that mothers do not support the baby’s head with forearms; instead, the mother's arms switch roles. In this situation, if the infant is feeding from the right breast, the mother holds the baby with the left hand and vice versa.Turn the baby’s body, so his and her chest and tummy face the mother directly by placing the thumb and fingers behind the baby’s head and below the ears, guiding the baby’s mouth to the mother’s breast. This position works well for small infants and babies who have latching trouble if the baby is premature and has low muscle tone or if the infant has a weak rooting reflex.

3. The Clutch or Football Position

In this position, the mother's hand and wrist support the baby's neck, back, and shoulders. Lay the infant's back against the mother’s arm. The nose of the infant should be close to the nipple, while the baby’s face should be toward the mother. On the other hand, it supports the breast. This position also supports mothers who have had a cesarean, as their babies can reach out to them more easily.

4. Side-Lying Position or Reclining Position

Mother and baby lie side by side, facing each other. The neck and back are well-supported and comfortable. The baby's chest should be facing the mother. Place a pillow or rolled-up blanket behind the baby's back for support. This position is usually not recommended because milk can enter the ear and cause frequent acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM). Still, it is best for the mother who had a cesarean birth in which the mother feels the pain to sit, wants to rest during night breastfeeding, or has a large breast.

5. Upright Position

This position is helpful for older infants who want to feed sitting bolt upright due to congestion or an ear infection. While using the pillow, sit the infant on the lap, towards the mother, and bring babies head towards the breast.

What Is the Role of a Physiotherapist In Breastfeeding?

• Many mothers breastfeeding their babies may not be aware of the role that physiotherapy can play in helping them achieve a successful breastfeeding experience. Physiotherapy can help with several issues that can arise during breastfeeding, such as nipple sore, mastitis, plugged ducts, and engorgement.

• It is well understood that suitable attachment and positioning of the baby at the breast is vital for successful breastfeeding. Sometimes, however, a mother may need help to achieve this.

• A physiotherapist can assess the mother and baby to identify any factors contributing to poor attachment or positioning. They can then provide specific exercises and advice to help improve the situation.

• In some cases, a mother may have difficulty producing enough milk. Again, a physiotherapist can offer specific exercises and advice to help with this. They may also be able to suggest other interventions, such as using a breast pump, which can help increase milk production.

• Overall, physiotherapy can be beneficial in ensuring successful breastfeeding for both the mother and baby.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed the baby with many benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year. Women who breastfeed may experience less postpartum depression, lower risk for certain types of cancer, and decreased risk for type II diabetes. It is essential to have the right support system so mothers are confident about starting breastfeeding and continuing it for as long as possible.

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