Breastfeeding and nutrition are essential for the health of both mother and child during the postpartum period. This article delves into the cultural context and nutritional practices that surround postpartum mothers in India, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and dietary considerations during this critical period.
Cultural Significance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in India is not just a biological act; it holds great cultural and emotional importance. It is considered a sacred connection between a mother and her child, representing nourishment, affection, and the continuation of family customs. This cultural perspective influences how long and exclusively mothers breastfeed, as they follow customs that have been passed down through generations.
Challenges Faced by Lactating Mothers
While cultural practices provide a strong base for postpartum care, lactating mothers in India encounter diverse challenges. Socio-economic factors, limited access to healthcare resources, and insufficient awareness regarding optimal nutrition often result in nutritional deficiencies. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure the well-being of both mothers and infants during the postpartum period.
The Impact of Cultural Practices on Breastfeeding
Cultural practices play a significant role in shaping breastfeeding patterns. While some communities prioritize early initiation of breastfeeding, others may discard colostrum, due to their cultural beliefs. Colostrum, also known as the first milk, is produced within the first few hours after delivery. This special milk contains essential proteins, vitamin A, and maternal antibodies that are crucial for the newborn’s nutrition until lactation is fully established. Colostrum is like a concentrated nutrient supply system, designed to meet the needs of newborns with premature digestive systems. However, it is unfortunate that in certain societies, colostrum is considered heavy, thick, dirty, toxic, and harmful to baby’s health, leading to its disposal. It is essential for healthcare professionals who want to offer support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers to have a deep understanding of these practices.
Nutritional Needs of Lactating Mothers
Nutrition plays a vital role in the postpartum period, especially for mothers who are breastfeeding. In India, there is a diverse range of foods that are traditionally believed to promote milk production and help mothers recover. Fenugreek, fennel, and ghee are commonly used ingredients in postpartum diets due to their perceived ability to enhance lactation.
To support the healthy growth of baby, it is essential for pregnant or breastfeeding women to get between 300 to 500 calories per day. Remember to choose a balanced diet that includes a diverse range of nutritious foods.
Recommended daily dietary allowances for lactating women
| Nutrient | Lactating women |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A (μg/d) | 1300 |
| Vitamin D (μg/d) | 15 |
| Folate (μg/d) | 500 |
| Niacin (mg/d) | 17 |
| Vitamin B6 (mg/d) | 2 |
| Vitamin B12 (μg/d) | 2.8 |
| Vitamin C (mg/d) | 120 |
| Calcium (mg/d) | 1,000 |
| Iron (mg/d) | 9 |
Applicable for women over 18 years of age.
Postpartum Diets
Traditional postpartum diets differ depending on the region, but they typically consist of foods that are thought to aid in healing and promote lactation. Foods that enhance lactation include:
- To boost lactation, consider incorporating fenugreek seeds through fenugreek tea or dishes like methi pulao.
- Tapioca, known for enhancing milk supply, can be enjoyed as steamed tapioca puttu or sabudana khichdi.
- Garlic is believed to benefit lactation. Some ways garlic can be incorporated into diet include garlic rice, garlic chutney, or milagu kuzhambu.
- Fennel seeds aid milk production; try fennel water or tea.
- Lentils, especially red and moong dal, provide essential protein. Oats, brown rice, cumin seeds, quinoa, cracked wheat, sesame seeds, and dry fruits contribute to nutritional support. Barley water and moringa powder are additional options.
- Jeera is known for its digestive benefits and ability to stabilize blood pressure. You can enhance the flavor of buttermilk, raithas, sabjis, and more by adding roasted jeera powder. Additionally, jeera water is believed to promote breast milk production and prevent acidity.
India’s urbanization and changing lifestyles bring forth new challenges. The increasing consumption of processed foods and sedentary habits can affect the nutritional value of postpartum diets. Recognizing the cultural importance of breastfeeding and understanding the nutritional requirements of lactating mothers are crucial measures in improving the health of both, mothers and infants. By combining traditional practices with modern nutritional knowledge, we can aim to develop a comprehensive approach to postpartum care that values cultural diversity and prioritizes the well-being of mothers and their newborns.
References:
1. Nguyen, P. H., Kachwaha, S., et al. (2021). Maternal Diets in India: Gaps, Barriers, and Opportunities. Nutrients, 13(10), 3534. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8540854/ .
2. Kominiarek, M. A., & Rajan, P. (2016). Nutrition Recommendations in Pregnancy and Lactation. The Medical clinics of North America, 100(6), 1199–1215. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5104202/.
3. Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Nutrients You Need. NEMOURS KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/moms-nutrients.html.
4. NUTRITION TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHER. DIRECTORATE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE. https://vbch.dnh.nic.in/content/lactating-women.
