Breastfeeding support in South Africa: Bridging the gap for mothers in need

As the world unites to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, the urgency to address the barriers surrounding breastfeeding in South Africa comes into sharp focus.

Professor Welma Lubbe, of North-West University’s Quality in Nursing and Midwifery Research Focus Area, highlights the pressing need for sustained support in a country where the fundamentals of breastfeeding can mean the difference between flourishing and failing for countless infants.

Breastfeeding is an intervention that is as cost-effective as it is crucial. It is universally acknowledged as a natural solution to combat malnutrition, infections, and developmental delays in infants.

However, despite the overwhelming evidence backing breastfeeding, many mothers in South Africa cease the practice shortly after giving birth not due to a lack of information, but because of insufficient support. “Many mothers stop breastfeeding in the first few days or even weeks due to a lack of support,” Lubbe shares, underscoring the vital role that healthcare providers play in this early phase.

The World Health Organization’s “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” encapsulated in South Africa’s Mother Baby Friendly Initiative, establishes a framework for hospitals to follow. However, achieving continuity of care remains a challenge. Hospitals often lack the infrastructure or capacity to support new mothers adequately before they are discharged, leaving many without the essential tools and guidance for breastfeeding success.

Furthermore, the hurdles don’t stop at the hospital doors. South African mothers are encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for six months; yet, many fall short of this recommendation.

Lubbe points to insufficient maternity leave, legally set at four months but often reduced in practice, as a major contributing factor. “Many mothers return to work within three months, often to workplaces without lactation rooms or refrigeration,” she explains.

While legislation mandates breaks for expressing milk, the reality is that very few employers provide supportive facilities, particularly in the informal sector where job security and childcare options are scant.

The challenges compound further, as cultural beliefs and misconceptions about breastfeeding persist. Myths that a crying baby signifies insufficient milk or that formula is adequate nutrition abound, leading to practices detrimental to both the mother and child’s health.

Lubbe insists on the necessity of debunking these myths, proclaiming, “Frequent feeds are normal, formula lacks the immunological adaptability of breast milk, and early solids can cause numerous health issues.”

To counteract entrenched misinformation, comprehensive education is crucial - targeting both girls and boys from school age through community outreach and media engagement. Lubbe advocates for the involvement of local influencers and community leaders to foster a broader understanding and acceptance of breastfeeding. Traditional birth attendants should also receive training to support new mothers, strengthening community ties and leveraging the knowledge of elders in the process.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritise breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems,” resonates deeply with Lubbe’s vision for the future. She asserts, “Breastfeeding is more than food; it’s a fundamental building block for life ensuring a strong immune system and environmentally sustainable practices.”

Her recommendations are straightforward yet impactful: extend paid maternity leave, enforce workplace policies that include accessible lactation rooms, and enhance mobile lactation support, especially in underserved regions.

Ultimately, as Lubbe notes, the success of these initiatives hinges on a collective political will and community acceptance to transform breastfeeding support from an ideal into an operational norm. With the potential to shape a healthier generation and reduce healthcare costs, the stakes could not be higher. “The first milk you got was the first lesson,” she concludes, reiterating that breastfeeding is our most fundamental beginning.

Saturday Star