Although tension over the terrorist attacks could deter new mothers from nursing
their babies, breastfeeding experts said Sunday that they need only patience to
succeed and that doing so is good for both baby and mother.
The Israel
Association of Certified Lactation Consultants said that anxiety and stress are
normal when attacks on Israel interfere with the routine and women have to leave
their homes to sit in shelters or remain in fortified rooms.
New mothers
should be aware of the fact that nursing their babies is good for their physical
and emotional health.
Production of mother’s milk is not prevented by
stress. The tension has only a temporary influence on nursing, they said, even
though it can cause dryness in the mouth, a fast heartbeat, shaking and cold
palms of the hands and feet. But after a few moments of holding the baby, the
release of milk will resume because the body gets used to the situation
quickly.
Women can use breast pumps if they have difficulty nursing;
women should not halt breastfeeding suddenly so that they don’t could suffer
from blockages, inflammation and infection, they advised. Body contact between
the mother and baby also calms both of them, which is a definite benefit in
difficult times.
Even women who are not eating properly because of the
situation can still breastfeed regularly. Nursing will also protect the infant
from infection by being exposed to poor hygienic conditions in crowded public
shelters.
The association, a member of the International Lactation
Consultant Association, can be reached at www.iaclc.org.il.
Meanwhile,
the Malhiv Center, located in Frankfort House in Tel Aviv’s Hadar Yosef, said it
would give free lactation advice to any mother living under threat of terrorism
from Gaza. Call (03) 647- 2411 or visit its website at www.malhiv.co.il.
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