ONE of the most common myths about breastfeeding is that it comes naturally to all mothers. However, the fact of the matter is that many women experience challenges in doing so.
In the Sekaya Prescribing Nature Series: Mommy, Are You Okay?, Synnovate Pharma Corp., the natural products company of pharmaceutical brand Unilab, tapped medical experts and breastfeeding advocates to share their knowledge on the major struggles and misconceptions breastfeeding moms encounter, as well as how these impact their emotional and mental well-being, and the ways they can ease the burden.
“Mothers should not be afraid to ask for support when they feel overwhelmed, especially now that we’re living in uncertain times,” said pulmonary specialist Dr. Anna York Bondoc.
According to Bondoc, one recurring question that women have is about their milk capacity.
Interior stylist Leona Laviña Panutat shared that when her first son was born, her milk supply was adequate and that her baby latched easily, but with her second son, she noticed a drop in her milk production.
Author and speech and language pathologist Robyn Chua Rodriguez also shared a similar situation. Early in her journey through motherhood, her daughter developed mild jaundice, which causes the yellowing of the skin. Although a common condition among newborns, Rodriguez shared that she blamed herself for not producing enough milk.
“Women vary dramatically in how much milk their breasts can hold,” explained Bondoc, who pointed to a recent study of mothers seeking help for breastfeeding problems. The study found that two out of three among the mothers surveyed had inadequate milk supply.
Various factors can also affect milk production, like hormonal or endocrine problems, insufficient glandular tissue, as well as taking certain medications.
There are certain steps mothers can take to improve their milk supply, such as eating a balanced and healthy diet, breastfeeding regularly, offering both their breasts while feeding alternatively, and getting help from their lactation consultants.
Bondoc reiterated that mothers shouldn’t stop breastfeeding unless their doctors order them to do so, as it is critical for keeping their newborns healthy because breast milk supplies all the necessary nutrients and protects babies against diseases and infections.
“Don’t be affected by what other people say,” said Bondoc, adding that several common misconceptions often lead mothers to believe they have insufficient milk when they are in fact producing enough.
“You’re not alone in your struggle, and it’s OK to feel not OK. What isn’t good is to just keep all these overwhelming emotions to yourself. Seek help and let others support you and lighten your load,” said Bondoc.
She advised mothers to seek advice from fellow mothers and support groups, and to reach out to their families. Panutat said one should acknowledge self-guilt but not to dwell on it and seek help.
“The difficult stage won’t last. After you acknowledge those emotions, you can address the underlying issues. It will allow you to focus on the happy moments,” Rodriguez said.
“Don’t lose your sense of self when you become a mom. As full-time moms, we forget we have other roles. You are a child of God, a wife, a friend. You have talents—you can dance, you can cook. That way, your child gets to know the real you,” she added.
In helping women cope with the challenges of motherhood, Sekaya is offering a line of food supplements made from moringa oleifera (or malunggay) to boost milk production among mothers.
“Knowing that our primary consumers would be lactating moms, we made sure to provide them all the superfood benefits of moringa or malunggay in the best and safest way possible—from source, since our moringa is certified organic by the EU, to processing in no less than pharma-grade facilities,” said Abi Nepomuceno, director and business unit head of Synnovate Pharma.
“While there may be many moringa capsules already in the market, we can confidently say that Sekaya Food Supplements Organic Moringa is highly safe and effective. With our moringa supplement, breastfeeding moms are assured that they’re taking a high quality product to ensure their own good health as well as that of their babies,” she added. n