The main concern about unhealthy breastfeeding practice is the harm it causes to the child. If the baby doesn't receive enough breast milk, it may become dehydrated, which can lead to serious health problems, such as electrolyte imbalances and kidney issues.
Introducing solid foods too early or providing inadequate breastfeeding support can lead to digestive issues such as colic, constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort.
If breastfeeding is not supported adequately, the child's immune system may be compromised, causing a higher risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses.
The 2022 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report shows that nationally, 37 per cent of children receive minimum dietary diversity and 71 per cent receive minimum meal frequency. Overall, 31 per cent receive the minimum acceptable diet.
In the context of promoting robust growth and development, it's essential to avoid providing infants and young children with sugary foods and beverages. Instead, a nutritious diet should primarily consist of healthy options like fruits and vegetables.
The 2022 report by KNBS reveals concerning trends: nearly half (49 per cent) of children aged six to 23 months were given sweet beverages within the day prior to the survey, and a significant portion (26 per cent) consumed unhealthy foods. Alarmingly, a quarter (25 per cent) of these children did not consume any fruits or vegetables, indicating a substantial gap in their nutritional intake.
Interestingly, these unhealthy feeding practices display variation based on the breastfeeding status of the children. Those who are breastfed tend to receive fewer unhealthy foods. This suggests that breastfeeding may have a protective effect in this context, leading to a more balanced and nutritious diet for infants and young children.
The major cause of unhealthy breastfeeding practices is inadequate breastfeeding education. Breastfeeding mothers need education and support to understand the importance of breastfeeding, how to latch the baby correctly and how to maintain a good milk supply. Lack of education can lead to frustration and early weaning.
Many mothers are introducing solid foods early. Despite their good intentions, this actually does more harm than good. Breast milk should be the main source of nutrition for infants during the first six months of life.
Infrequent or inadequate feeding is another issue where breastfeeding mothers forget infants should be breastfed on demand, typically every two to three hours, to ensure they receive enough nourishment and maintain proper growth. Infrequent feedings can lead to poor weight gain and reduced milk production.
Introducing artificial nipples (such as pacifiers and bottles) too early can cause nipple confusion and reduce a baby's willingness to breastfeed effectively. It's best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing these items.
There is also the issue of ignoring maternal nutrition and hydration. A breastfeeding mother needs to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support milk production and her own well-being. Neglecting these aspects can lead to decreased milk supply and overall health issues.
In some cases, medical issues may require supplementation with formula. However, supplementing without a legitimate medical reason can negatively impact the establishment of a sufficient milk supply. When problems arise, such as low milk supply or painful breastfeeding, seeking professional help from lactation consultants or healthcare providers is essential. Ignoring these issues can lead to early weaning.
It's crucial to promote healthy breastfeeding practices, provide adequate education and support to mothers, and ensure that healthcare professionals are available to address any issues that may arise during the breastfeeding journey. Proper breastfeeding practices can have significant positive effects on the health and development of both the child and the mother.
