This document gives a brief introduction to breastfeeding with the most recent data from the National Nutrition Health Survey, 2018 in Nigeria. It also reveals the perceptions, cultural and misconceptions that affect the practice of breastfeeding especially its exclusivity.

1. FADS OF BREASTFEEDING
BY:
EDET, MFON OKON
15/044144015
HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
UNIT
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY,
FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
A
SEMINAR PRESENTATION
ON

2. INTRODUCTION
Breastfeeding as defined by the British Medical
dictionary is “the natural method of infant feeding
from birth to weaning”.
It contains all essential nutrients – carbohydrates,
essential fats, proteins, minerals, and
immunological factors – required for the optimal
growth and development of infants (Ballard &
Morrow, 2013).

3. INTRODUCTION CONTD.
Given the importance of breastfeeding, the World
Health Organization (WHO, 2010), American
Academy of Paediatrics and Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics has recommended initiation of
breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery,
(Kramer, 2002), exclusive breastfeeding for six
months (Eidelman et al., 2012) and continuation
for at least two years post-delivery, (Lessen &
Kavanagh, 2015).

4. INTRODUCTION CONTD.
Regardless of the huge benefits of breastfeeding, proportions
of infants who were exclusively breastfed in West and Central
Africa was 28% in 2010 (Cai et al., 2012).
In Nigeria, only 28% of infant under-six months were
exclusively breastfed (NNHS 2018),
In the south-south regions the mean percentage of infants
that were exclusively breastfed was 34.1% but far below the
recommended WHO level of 50% (NNHS, 2018).

5. Introduction contd.
Lack of knowledge, prevailing misconceptions and
cultural taboos which constitutes the fads
significantly contribute to undesirable breastfeeding
practices such as delayed initiation and discarding
of colostrum (WHO, 2008).

6. Introduction Contd.
In order to achieve the benefits of optimal
breastfeeding, this seminar presentation is aimed at
exposing the fads associated with breastfeeding that
affects its practice among mothers, with more
emphasis on transmitting knowledge on the practice of
optimal breastfeeding while dispelling the related
myths on breastfeeding.

7. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF HUMAN
MILK
Breastmilk composition
Water (87%)
Fat (3.8%)
Protein (1%)
Lactose (7%)
The fat and
lactose,
respectively,
provide 50% and
40% of the total
energy of the milk
(Guo, 2014).

8. COMPARING HUMAN MILK AND FORMULA MILK
Content Human breast milk Formula milk
Fats
 Rich in brain-building omega 3s,
namely DHA and AA
 Rich in cholesterol
 Contains fat-digesting enzyme, lipase
 No DHA
 No cholesterol
 No lipase
Protein
 Soft, easily-digestible whey
 Lactoferrin for intestinal health
 Rich in brain and body building protein
components
 Rich in growth factors
• Harder-to-digest casein curds
• No lactoferrin, or only a trace
• Deficient or low in some brain-
and body-building proteins
• Deficient in growth factors

9. HUMAN MILK vs. FORMULA MILK contd.
Contents Human breast milk Formula milk
CHO
 Rich in lactose
 Rich in oligosaccharides, which
promote intestinal health
 No lactose in some formulas
 Deficient in oligosaccharides
Immune
Boosters
 Rich in living white blood cells,
millions per feeding
 Rich in immunoglobulins
 No live white blood cells-or any
other cells.
 Few immunoglobulins and most
are the wrong kind
Vitamins
and
Minerals
 Better absorbed, especially iron, zinc,
and calcium
 Contains more selenium (an
antioxidant)
 Not absorbed as well
 Contains less selenium (a

10. HUMAN MILK vs. FORMULA MILK contd.
Contents Human breast milk Formula milk
Enzymes and
Hormones
 Rich in digestive enzymes, such as
lipase and amylase
 Rich in many hormones: thyroid,
prolactin, oxytocin, and more than
fifteen others
 Varies with mother’s diet
 Processing kills digestive
enzymes
 Processing kills hormones,
which are not human to
begin with
 Always tastes the same

11. BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
Protects against
illnesses and enhances
the baby’s immune
system, providing
longterm protection
against diabetes and
cancer.
Reduces risk of maternal
postpartum hemorrhage.
Helps in involution of the
uterus. Delays return of
menses (lactational
amenorhoae, Reduces risk of
developing premenopausal
Saves families the cost of
purchasing breastmilk
substitutes and reduces
health care costs.

12. FADS OF BREASTFEEDIING
Fad as defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary is “a
practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated
zeal”. It is also seen to be something that people are
interested in for a short period of time. In reference to
this work, fad refers to the perceptions, beliefs, attitude
and reactions of people towards breastfeeding in
general and specifically its exclusivity which is
categorized into myths and facts.

13. FADS ON THE SYMBOLISM OF FEMALE BREASTS:
“FOR FEEDING” OR “FOR PLEASURE”
 In some developing civilizations, such as Mali in Western Africa, Sierra Leone and
Nepal, the breast does not create sexual associations both in men as well as in
women. In these countries, the breast has maintained the primary biological
function; it is considered an organ used to feed neonates and babies (Dettwyler
1995).
 On the contrary, in developed countries, such as the USA, the primary role of the
female breast is related to sexual behavior and pleasure;
 Facts on the symbolism of the breast
 The breast is the tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles (WebMD 2014).
Women's breasts are made of specialized tissue that produces milk (glandular tissue)
as well as fatty tissue. The primary purpose of the breast is for breast feeding, every
other purposes become secondary.

14. SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL FADS ON BREASTFEEDING
 It is socially believed in some tribes such as Mende in Sierra Leone that the sperm
can contaminate mother’s milk and, as a consequence, the baby can fall ill. Also
they believe that a man’s sperm who is not the child’s father is extremely harmful.
Therefore, women of this tribe, choose to stop breastfeeding early so that they
can start their sexual life again with their mates.
 For financial security, a woman must have a relationship and sexual relations with
a man in order to be able to survive; this happens because they believe that only
a man can offer a woman the goods required for her life, so to be financially
stable, she weans the child and begin her sexual patterns for survival (Bledsoe,
1987).

15.  There are no medical reasons for refraining from vaginal intercourse
after childbirth once the woman’s discharge has ceased and any wounds
have healed (Ryding, 2008), which generally happens 4–6 weeks after
delivery. The assumed effect of poisoned milk might be unsatisfactory
physical development of the child or the numerous episodes of
diarrhoea which are among the most visible problems of the early years
of life.
Facts on the social and financial fads

16. ATTITUDINAL FADS ON THE QUALITY OF MOTHER’S
MILK
 The percentages of exclusive breastfeeding are supported by the habits, ideas, attitudes
and behaviours prevailing in each society (DeAlmeida et al., 2004). Some of these ideas or
attitudes are related with quality of mother’s milk
 According to Zeitlyn and Rowshan (1997), parents are concerned by their newborn baby's
cries and the interpretation of their neighbours and Hazur, their healer, was that the baby
might have been affected by the “batash” (an evil spirit or wind). The healer diagnosed that
the mother's milk was "afflicted" by the batash and was stale. He advised them to stop
breastfeeding and start artificial feeding.
 The batash wind can afflict a baby either directly or indirectly changing the composition of
mother’s milk. Batash is associated with impurities and with the impure liquids of the body,
such as the blood.
 The feeling of weight or “swelling” that a mother can have during the lactation period is
one of the symptoms that her milk has been affected by the batash spirit (Zeitlyn and
Rowshan 1997).

17. Facts on the attitudinal fads
Facts 1: Babies cannot express and tell what they exactly feel while
being fed. If there is a slight discomfort they will panic and create noises
(shout). But there are several reasons behind it. Tavishi (2018) in his
commentary pointed out 5 reasons babies cry or fuss during
breastfeeding to include;
Fast flow/fast Let Down,
Slow Milk flow/bottle Preference,
Reflux,
Food allergy/sensitivity in Mother’s Milk,
Positioning.

18. Facts on the attitudinal fads contd.
Facts 2: The reasons why some women may gain weight while
breastfeeding can be diverse and may include;
For one, breastfeeding tends to increase hunger. Studies show
that some women eat more and move less while nursing —
compensating for the extra calorie burn of breastfeeding, (Butte et
al., 1999).
New mothers also tend to have irregular and interrupted periods of
sleep. Sleep deprivation is another known factor for increased
hunger and appetite — both of which may make it harder to lose
weight (Shrahad et al., 2004; Hanlon et al., 2016; and Gulglielmo et
al., 2011).

19. CULTURAL FADS OF BREASTFEEDING
The cultural fads of breastfeeding are summarized below;
Colostrum is ‘taboo’ in some communities:
Prelacteal feeding: “Children are always hungry, right from birth”.
Exclusive breastfeeding “it is beneficial, but there are exceptions”
“Bad Omen (Curse)” if you breastfeed in some circumstances:
“Evil eye” if you breastfeed in public:
“Breasts will sag” (Focus Group Discussion, young mothers –Viwandani,
Kenya).

20. Facts on the Cultural fads
Colostrum contains antibodies and other protective factors for the
infant. It is yellow because it is rich in vitamin A.
On the case of prelacteal feeding, the newborn has a stomach the size
of a marble. The few drops of colostrum fill the stomach perfectly. If
water or other substances are given to the newborn at birth, the
stomach is filled and there is no room for the colostrum.

21. RELIGIOUS FADS OF BREASTFEEDING
 Islamic Views on Breastfeeding – “it is a religious recommendation”
In Islam, both parents and children have rights and responsibilities. Breastfeeding
from his or her mother is considered a child's entitled right, and breastfeeding is
highly recommended if the mother is able (Huda, 2019).
"Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to
complete the term" (Qu’ran 2:233).
 Christians’ view on breastfeeding in public
Myths: Breastfeeding in the public is immodest
Facts: It is not in any verse in the Holy Bible. The breast is meant for the child.

22. GENDER FADS OF BREASTFEEDING: “BOYS ARE NOT
BREASTFED THE SAME AS GIRLS”
The duration of breastfeeding is said to be shorter in boys than girls in
some communities, due to a common belief that boys breastfeed ‘a lot’
and ‘weaken’ the mother.
As a consequence there is a tendency of earlier introduction of other
foods and shorter breastfeeding duration in boys than girls “Boys
breastfeed a lot Focus Group Discussion, older mothers- Viwandani).

23. CONCLUSION
 Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the
first six months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s
nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third
during the second year of life.
 Breastfeeding is both beneficial for the child, the mother and the society at
large.
 Most of the fads that affects breastfeeding in general and its exclusivity
specifically include; fads on the symbolism of female breasts, social and financial
fads, the attitudinal, cultural, religious as well as the gender fads have all been
assessed.
 In order to meet the WHO recommendation of optimum breastfeeding , these
notions and fads have to be dispelled whereas adopting the facts stated by the
WHO.

24. References
 Ballard, O. & Morrow, A. L. (2013). Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatric Clinics of
North America. 60(1):49-74.
 Bledsoe, C. H. (1987). Side-stepping the postpartum sex taboo: Mende cultural perceptions of tinned milk in
Sierra Leone. In: The cultural roots of African fertility regimes, proceedings of the Ife conference. Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Population Studies Center, (8):101-24.
 British Medical Association, BMA-Medical-dictionary.pdf: Breastfeeding, A Dorling Kindersley Book pg. 94
 Cia, X., Wardlaw, T., & Brown, D. W. (2012). Global trends in exclusive breastfeeding. International Breastfeeding
Journal, 7(12).
 De Almeida, J. A., & Novak, F. R. (2004). Breastfeeding: a nature-culture hybrid. Journal of Pediatrics, 80(5
Suppl).119-125.
 Dettwyler, K. A. & Stuart M. P. (1995). Beauty and the beast: The cultural context of breastfeeding in the United
States. Bicultural Perspective. New York, Aldine De Gruyter.
 Eidelman, A. I. & Schanler, R. J. (2012). Section on Breastfeeding. American Academy of Pediatrics Policy
Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 129(3):e827-e841.
 Guo, M. (2014). Human Milk Biochemistry and Infant Formula. Manufacturing Technology. Elsevier; Cambrdige,
UK.

25. References contd.
 Huda (2019). Islamic Views on Breastfeeding. https://www.learnreligions.com/breastfeeding-in-islam-2004497
 Kramer, M. S. (2002). The Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review Document
produced by the Department of Child and Adolescent Health. Geneva: Geneva: World Health Organization.
 Ryding, E. L. (2008). Psychological aspects on pregnancy and childbirth. Lund, Sweden: Student litterature, Lund
University.
 WebMD (2014). The Breast: Human anatomy.
 World Health Organization (2008). Exclusive breastfeeding Available from
URL::http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/
 World Health Statistics (2010). Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices, Part 3
Country Profiles, WHO, Geneva. http://www.unicef.org/nutition/fles/IYCF indicators part111 country profles.pdf.
 Zeitlyn, S. & Rowshan, R. (1997). Privileged knowledge and mothers’ ‘perceptions’: The case of breast-feeding
and insufficient milk in Bangladesh. Medical Anthropology Quarterly. 11(1):56-68.