A survey on breastfeeding by Baptist Hospital found that when babies were only seven days old, the breastfeeding rate was 93%, but by the time babies reached about three months old, the breastfeeding rate had dropped to 33%. A nursery head nurse stated that the main reasons mothers stopped breastfeeding were insufficient breast milk and the need to work, with stress and lack of sleep being contributing factors to insufficient breast milk. It is recommended that mothers relax and get enough sleep.
Head Nurse of the Nursery at Baptist Hospital, Miss Chan Wai-man, stated that a total of 180 local expectant mothers gave birth at Baptist Hospital in January. The hospital telephoned 120 of these mothers between January and April. The results showed that when the infants were seven days old, the breastfeeding rate was 93%; when the infants were ten days old, the breastfeeding rate was 95%; however, when the infants were approximately three months old, the breastfeeding rate had fallen to just 33%.
Ms Chen pointed out that 44% of mothers gave up breastfeeding due to insufficient milk supply, while 38% gave up because they needed to work. "The more anxious the mother is, the less milk she produces, so don't rush it." She also said that mothers should only feed from one breast at a time, and allow the baby to suckle for about 15 to 20 minutes or more. "Breast milk is divided into 'foremilk' and 'hindmilk'. If you switch breasts, the baby will get the 'foremilk' from both sides, but the 'hindmilk' is fatty milk and is better for the baby's growth."
Baptist Hospital Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine Centre ResidentPaediatric Consultant Dr Chan Yan WingBreastfeeding can reduce the risk of infants developing middle ear infections, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases later in life, and helps mothers regain their figure.
Source: Sing Tao Daily
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