Article Text
Abstract
Breastfeeding is the most suitable and unequalled method of feeding, one that ensures the healthy growth and development of the infant. At the same time, breastfeeding is a vehicle of interaction that has positive biological and emotional effects on the health of both mother and child. Some mothers who undergo a cesarean birth have difficulty at the beginning with taking their babies in their arms and breastfeeding. For this reason, babies encounter problems at the breast.
Moreover, during the mother’s stay at the hospital, the nurse should provide her with information about lactation and the mechanism involved, breastfeeding methods, baby care, problems that may be encountered and their solutions, breast care, personal care, nutrition and exercise.
Bonding is often an issue after a caesarean. Many mothers report feeling distant and detached from their caesarean babies. In part, this may be because the mother is not able to actually “see” the baby emerging from her body, and is usually one of the last people to get to hold and snuggle baby for any real time.
Lastly, starting off on a positive mother-baby relationship after a cesarean helps to instill a feeling of trust in the child and forms the foundation for the development of a healthy personality in later life. Nurses and other health professionals working with newborns have important responsibilities in helping to initiate this relationship.