Nutrition, Diet and Health Tips

Balancing Benefits and Challenges

As a dedicated Dietitian with a passion for Child Nutrition and Health, I wholeheartedly champion for Exclusive Breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for the subsequent 24 months due to the well-documented benefits.

In my latest YouTube video (https://youtu.be/hRiBJk76zfw?si=ydsw4oKR_i_qDYLe), I provide Practical Solutions for Women Struggling with Breastfeeding, drawing from my expertise as a professional Dietitian/Nutritionist and my own experiences as a mom.

Prompted by a fellow mom’s feedback on TikTok, questioning the notion that breastfeeding is free, I delved into the true costs associated with breastfeeding. Let’s explore the essential requirements for successful breastfeeding: The costs

1️⃣ Nutrient-Rich Diet for Moms: Optimize your diet with quality proteins, organic fruits, vegetables, broths, and nuts to meet the increased nutrient needs of breastfeeding. Despite economic challenges, prioritizing this is vital for sustaining both quality and quantity.

2️⃣ Breastfeeding-Friendly Attire and Bras: While not mandatory, these clothing items make breastfeeding seamless and comfortable in public. Investing in breastfeeding bras and outfits enhances breastcare and hygiene, requiring at least 5 of each for regular changes.

3️⃣ Time Commitment: Allocate at least 3 months off work or income-generating activities for successful breastfeeding initiation. After this period, working moms need to consider measures to continue breastfeeding.

4️⃣ Breast Pumps and Equipment: Designed for busy working moms, these tools facilitate milk expression at work. A good pump, even high-end ones, is a one-time purchase that can be reused for subsequent pregnancies.

For those facing budget constraints, there’s a manual alternative—the scissors method, using fingers to express milk into a feeding cup. Although more time-consuming, it’s an option worth considering.

The above are some of the foreseeable costs of breastfeeding.

With the benefits of Breastfeeding: Improved immunity, Better Growth & Development, Reduced mental health issues, Metabolic disorders, Better cognitive development and more, let’s compare the above with the cost of replacement feeds:

1️⃣ Cost of Maintaining Feeds 😲: Breastmilk substitutes are expensive. The frequency of feeds for a new baby (at least 6-8 feeds/day) translates to substantial weekly costs.

2️⃣ Exposure to Infectious Disease: Delicate baby guts are vulnerable to diarrheal diseases from poor handling of feeding tins and spoons, emphasizing the need for impeccable hygiene.

3️⃣ Wastage: Replacement feeds cannot be reused, leading to significant wastage.

4️⃣ Hospital Visits: Breastfed babies enjoy immune boosters, reducing the risk of infectious diseases compared to those on replacement or mixed feeding.

5️⃣ Exposure to Metabolic Disorders, Mental Health, and Poor Development: Data supports that replacement feeds expose babies to non-communicable conditions later in life.

While breastfeeding may not be entirely free, it remains significantly more economical than the costs associated with replacement and mixed feeds. Let’s commit to supporting and practicing breastfeeding as the optimal choice for proper infant and child development. Additionally, remember that Breastmilk is Organic, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the mom’s foods and fluid intake accordingly.

If you’re an expecting or new mom in need of breastfeeding assistance, consider joining my monthly coaching program: https://forms.gle/6dXWXANW9VSfiu977. For practical solutions, watch my video: https://youtu.be/hRiBJk76zfw?si=ydsw4oKR_i_qDYLe.

Share your thoughts in the comments, whether you agree or have faced challenges in breastfeeding.

Signed with love 💕

Your Favourite Dietitian,
Lilian Mutanu Mumina,
Mumina Wellness Solutions.
+254723899429.
https://forms.gle/6dXWXANW9VSfiu97