Concerns grow as breastfeeding declines in BVI

Health professionals from the BVI Health Services are reporting that they’ve observed a decline in the number of new mothers who are choosing to breastfeed their babies, despite the numerous benefits that both mother and child gain from the natural process.

Speaking at a virtual forum on the subject, lead physician at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Community Clinic Dr Shana Kay Fraser reminded mothers that breastfeeding prevents a number of short and long-term illnesses that health professionals often see in children. Even in the BVI community, Dr Fraser said doctors and nurses have noticed that children who are breastfed have fewer respiratory problems such as asthma.

“Around the flu season, we notice that children present to us with a lot of symptoms because of their wheezing. But children who have been breastfed don’t have those complications as much, they don’t present those symptoms. So mom and dad don’t have to take those extra days off to take the child to the clinic, they are just healthier overall,” Dr Fraser explained.

She also added that the act of breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers who stand to lose the weight gained during pregnancy and get a unique chance to avoid postpartum depression that is seen in many women who’ve given birth.

“We’ve seen that with this bond formed with the newborn during breastfeeding, moms don’t get as depressed. It also reduced the risk of mothers developing ovarian cancer later on in life or even Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure — common chronic illnesses we are currently battling in our community,” Dr Fraser added.

It is estimated that inadequate breastfeeding is responsible for 16% of child deaths each year. But there’s been a growing trend where mothers are choosing not to breastfeed due to their participation in the workforce and for aesthetic reasons as many believe breastfeeding greatly alters a woman’s body.

But according to Director of Community Nursing Services, Ferrosa Roache, the view that breastfeeding makes the breasts “saggy” is a myth.

“Breastfeeding is not to be blamed for saggy breasts. Research shows that hormonal and weight fluctuations during pregnancy are the main cause of breast changing. Ageing and family genetics also play a role in breast becoming saggy,” Roach explained.