KUALA LUMPUR – A recent study found that approximately 70.3 per cent of mothers encounter breastfeeding difficulties, including cracked nipples, perceived insufficient milk supply, pain, and fatigue.
Dr Sharmina Kamal Shamsul Kamal, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City said for working mothers, balancing breastfeeding and professional commitments adds a layer of complexity, thus, it is eminent to recognise the importance of supporting working mothers on their breastfeeding journey.
“Delayed breastfeeding can be life-threatening. The longer newborns wait to breastfeed, the greater their risk of death. While over 88.6 per cent of babies are breastfed within 24 hours in Malaysia, this number significantly drops to 50.6 per cent after 12 months.
“Among the reasons for this decline could be the lack of access and support for mothers in the workplace to breastfeed and societal pressures,” she said in a statement.
Dr Sharmina Kamal said, as a healthcare professional, she has witnessed the challenges faced by working parents when it comes to breastfeeding, but has also seen the countless benefits that breastfeeding can have for both mothers and babies.
“I strongly believe that every mother should have the opportunity to breastfeed her baby, regardless of her work situation,” she said.
One of the support systems that can help is having a lactation consultant, a specially trained healthcare professional, who can help mothers breastfeed successfully and plays a vital role in empowering working mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges, she said.
Dr Sharmina Kamal said lactation consultants can help mothers with various issues, from latching problems to mastitis and weaning.
“They can also provide general support and education about breastfeeding at every step of a mother’s breastfeeding journey. Their role empowers new mothers as they embrace the transformative experience of being a working parent, ultimately benefiting their child’s health and well-being.
She added that access to dedicated lactation facilities and support services is as easy as having a small, private room for mothers to pump and access to a refrigerator to store their breast milk safely.
“These resources enhance the breastfeeding journey, bringing peace of mind and reducing stress, empowering mothers to confidently navigate the demands of caring for a newborn,” she said.
Sunway Medical Centre is the largest private quaternary hospital in Malaysia with 724 licensed beds and is committed to becoming an international healthcare institution of choice.
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, which include state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies for outpatient and inpatient speciality care, health and wellness programmes and 24-hour emergency services. – Bernama
