Mysore/Mysuru: “Breastfeeding is nature’s gift every mother is bestowed with, to nourish her baby with all the nutrients essential for their growth and development of the baby. Generally, breastfeeding came naturally to almost every mother, but in recent times owing to several factors, there has risen a need where it now ‘needs to be taught’. Many mothers are now experiencing lactation-related issues which are easily identifiable and treatable if the mother receives timely guidance,” said Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru.

She was addressing a press conference, organised by Manipal Hospital as part of Breast Feed Week, at Pathrakartara Bhavan in city recently.

Taking the topic further, Dr. K.G. Amulya, Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, who also spoke, said: “Lactation education or counselling is not a ‘one size fits all’ strategy. Every mother is different, and their needs and concerns are also different. Addressing the concerns and issues with lactation should ideally begin prenatally (before the delivery). Identifying and addressing problems with lactation while the woman/ women is pregnant can greatly help rectify problems such as breast-related problems that may affect the latching and sucking of the breastmilk by the infant, counselling working women to manage stress, educating them on expressing and storing the breast milk, etc., help the mothers to be well prepared for lactating.”

Senior Physiotherapist K. Ismail spoke about the bodily changes women undergo during pregnancy and after delivery and how he helps women deal with the issues with their body morphology, muscular weakness or body pains post-delivery and during lactating period.

Senior Dietician Kavya emphasised on the importance of proper diet and nutrition for the lactating mother and said, “Proper nutrition is of utmost importance for the lactating mother. There are several cultural and age-old beliefs about avoiding certain foods during lactation. The lactating mother may end up developing serious nutritional deficiency. If the mother has nutrition deficiency, baby might develop deficiency as well. Eating a healthy diet while breast feeding determines the energy, protein, fat, vitamins and mineral content of the breast milk.”

The multi-disciplinary team of experts from Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, highlighted and acknowledged that, addressing the issues with lactation requires interdisciplinary approach and collective efforts of experts from different specialties.

Hence, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, has come up with an exclusive baby and mother care package that involves expert guidance to expecting mothers right from the beginning of their pregnancy journey, delivery, post-natal and lactation period, the baby’s infancy stage and beyond, to ensure a healthy, safe and happy pregnancy journey and motherhood.

Expecting mothers can consult Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, or call Ph: 0821-2555000 for details.