New Delhi: Pregnancy is one of the most magical and transformative journeys in a woman’s life, during this time new mothers may go through an emotional and physical roller coaster ride. However, the major journey starts after giving birth, and this is when breastfeeding comes to light. It is one of the most essential parts of the post-natal period. There are vital factors involved in this journey, lifestyle, age and underlying diseases. Now mothers over 35 years old need to be extra cautious while they breastfeed but why, let’s understand.
On World Breastfeeding Week, Dr Sonia Golani Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara spoke to News9 and explained, “With the right support, breastfeeding mothers can be empowered to overcome their challenges and meet their breastfeeding goals. To maximise mothers’ chances of successfully breastfeeding, elderly mothers must have access to early and ongoing prenatal care so that they can be provided with guidance and support.”
Breastfeeding challenges in mothers over 35 years
• Insufficient milk production: Hormonal changes can affect milk production.
• Difficulty in latching: Less flexible or past breast surgeries might cause older moms to have more trouble when trying to latch their babies on their breasts.
• An aching nipple: Hormonal imbalances may result in sore, painful, sensitive nipples.
• Acute swelling: Due to decreased elasticity, older breasts may experience acute swelling more frequently.
• Past breast surgery: Scarring or damage to tissues can interfere with milk production or ductal function.
• Chronic medical conditions: Diseases like diabetes, hypertension and thyroid diseases can also impact lactation or the ability to breastfeed.
• Medication Concerns: Breastfeeding might be incompatible with some medications used for chronic illness
• Tiredness and stress: Becoming an older parent may cause tiredness and stress that makes breastfeeding difficult.
• Intergenerational support: Older mothers might face disadvantaged social circumstances such as lack of help or negative attitudes towards breastfeeding
2 Age-related physical changes in breast:
• Elderly breasts age, and this can impact their ability to nurse.
• To cope with these problems, old mothers should do the following:
• Look out for lactation support
• Practice more often at eating time
• Use proper ways of attaching an infant to the breast
• When breasts get too full and hard, apply a cold compress or pump them to soften the engorgement.
• Watch over for infection and other complications
• Keep drinking enough water and resting sufficiently.
• Join online breastfeeding groups or connect with local ones
World Breastfeeding Week 2024: According to expert, with the right support, breastfeeding mothers can be empowered to overcome their challenges and meet their breastfeeding goals. To maximise mothers’ chances of successfully breastfeeding, elderly mothers must have access to early and ongoing prenatal care so that they can be provided with guidance and support. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
