Images by courtesy of Fran Highfield @throughrosecolouredglasses
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Breastfeeding has never failed to attract discussion, scientific investigation and a broad spectrum of viewpoints. We know exactly how important breastmilk is as a vital source of nutrients and antibodies that strengthens infants’ immune systems, protects against illness and infection, and reduces the risk of digestive issues for babies.
Sadly, however, the breastfeeding process can involve a number of challenges for mothers. Poor ‘latch’, low supply, breast pain, breast thrush and mastitis constitute just some of the struggles that may impact a mum’s ability to breastfeed for extended periods.
On top of these physiological issues, women are also faced with the hurdle of leaving their babies when they return to work. In fact, in Australia only 35% of babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives, with ‘returning to work’ cited as the most common reason for stopping.
The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) is “Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a difference for working parents”. This week-long event focuses on creating supportive workplaces for working parents, with emphasis on enabling breastfeeding, rather than requiring women to give it up in order to return to work.
Workplaces can support and facilitate breastfeeding mothers to return to work with a range of measures, including provision of lactation rooms, flexible work arrangements, educational programs, ensuring the provision of appropriate breaks, and by offering extended paid parental leave.
Since 2012, Qiara Probiotics Isolated from Breastmilk has supported over 40,000 mums every year, helping them to keep breastfeeding when they might have otherwise given up. By taking Qiara, mums improve their own gut health while simultaneously improving their baby’s gut health through their breastmilk.
The secret behind Qiara is that it contains a unique single-strain probiotic, lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716, proven to be beneficial in restoring breastmilk flora and good gut bacteria following antibiotics. This is particularly important for C-section or GBS-positive mothers and their babies. It also supports a healthy digestive system function and good bacteria growth, enhancing the general health and wellbeing of mothers and their infants during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
One of the Qiara range, Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding, is an evidence-based probiotic that relieves symptoms and reduces the occurrence of mastitis—a condition that affects 20% of mothers in the first four weeks postpartum, making it a significant challenge to mothers trying to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Qiara Probiotics are suitable for the whole family, not just during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Qiara Infant is suitable for all infants to 24 months (in drops or sachets) including those experiencing colic, reflux, diarrhoea or constipation, while Qiara Kids is available for children aged 2-12 years old, and Qiara Adult is suitable for everyone to support gastrointestinal health.
Speak with the pharmacist at your local WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods to discuss if supplementation is appropriate for you. Always read the label and follow directions for use. Discuss any breastfeeding queries or concerns with your medical practitioner, child health nurse or lactation consultation for individualised health advice.
Learn more at Qiara.com.au
Read more:
- WorldBreastfeedingweek.org
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6373415_A_descriptive_study_of_mastitis_in_Australian_breastfeeding_women_Incidence_and_determinants
- https://www.wgea.gov.au/newsroom/parental-leave-scorecard
