National Breastfeeding Month provides a dedicated time for communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to unite in promoting the critical role breastfeeding plays in ensuring the health and wellbeing of both our keiki and mākuahine. Breastfeeding is among the first actions a mother takes to set her child on a path of good health.
For the child, the benefits of breastfeeding are extensive and long-lasting.
Breast milk provides tailored nutrition, adjusting its composition to meet a baby’s specific nutrient needs at each developmental stage. It contains antibodies that offer targeted immune protection against infections and illnesses, shielding the baby from various pathogens. And it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), particularly for those exclusively breastfed for the first six months.
Breastfeeding also promotes brain development, leading to higher IQ scores and better psychological development and wellbeing. Breastfed children enjoy reduced risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, and asthma, with these protective effects lasting into adulthood.
For mothers, it aids in faster postpartum healing and triggers the release of chemicals, oxytocin and endorphins, naturally alleviating anxiety, stress, and pain, and reducing risk of postpartum depression. The mother also benefits in the future, as breastfeeding reduces risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. The protective effect against these cancers increases the longer a mother breastfeeds.
Beyond physical benefits, the act of breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional bond between a mother and her child, creating a loving, trusting relationship. Research has shown that this influences a child’s growing ability to form healthy relationships, better regulate stress, and have greater emotional resilience later in life.
Some mothers may struggle with low or declining milk supply. Drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, lowering stress, and avoiding smoking, vaping, and alcohol all significantly help improve milk production. In addition, mothers can practice hand expressing and breast massage, and consider power pumping between feeding sessions.
Promote skin-to-skin contact with your baby, breastfeed on demand, offer both breasts at each feeding, and switch breasts multiple times if your baby gets tired. Ensure frequent nursing, aiming for 8-12 sessions every 24 hours, and consult your doctor about medications as some, like antihistamines and contraceptives with estrogen, can reduce milk supply.
Green papaya, ginger, and ʻolena (turmeric) contain natural chemicals that can help increase breast milk production. Green papaya is best eaten cooked. Add it to soups or stews and eat 1-2 bowls per day. Place fresh, sliced ginger in a pot with water and heat till boiling. Reduce heat then simmer 5-10 minutes. Enjoy 2-3 cups per day, hot or cold. ʻOlena can be used in cooking or made into tea. Fresh turmeric or turmeric powder (limit to 1 teaspoon daily) is recommended instead of turmeric supplements. Eating oatmeal, brown rice, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, limu, and flaxseed) also help support healthy lactation.
By embracing these practices and supporting breastfeeding mothers, we can ensure a healthier future for our keiki and strengthen the bonds within our ʻohana.
