Breastfeeding Among Disabled Women: Barriers, Policies, and Strategies

Introduction

Breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of a mother's health and wellness, and it is even more important for women who are disabled. Breastfeeding is a natural way for mothers to bond with their babies, and for disabled women, it can provide an extra layer of support and connection.

What Are the Difficulties Faced by Disabled Women While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a time-honored tradition practiced for centuries, but it can be a challenge for disabled women. Research suggests that disabled women face unique barriers when it comes to breastfeeding. Several qualitative difficulties disabled women experiencing breastfeeding may face, and listed below are some of them:

1. Physical Barriers: Many disabled women have mobility or motor skill limitations, making it difficult to hold, position, and latch their babies properly while breastfeeding. Women who use wheelchairs may struggle to adjust their position for comfortable and safe breastfeeding.

2. Difficulty Identifying Hunger Cues: Some women with sensory impairments may have trouble identifying their baby's hunger cues, such as lip-smacking or rooting. This can make it challenging to establish a feeding routine and lead to improper nutrition in infants.

3. Pain or Discomfort: Women with physical impairments or chronic pain may experience increased sensitivity and pain while breastfeeding due to the position required. This can lead to a negative experience that ultimately discourages the mother from continuing to breastfeed.

4. Stigma and Lack of Support: There is a significant stigma attached to breastfeeding among disabled women due to societal assumptions about their ability to care for their children. Additionally, there may be a lack of support from healthcare providers and family members who are unaware of the specific challenges faced by disabled mothers.

5. Medication Interference: Some disabled women may be on medication that can interfere with breastfeeding or reduce their milk supply. Mothers who experience this can find themselves forced to cope with the psychological and emotional difficulties of being unable to feed their babies as desired.

6. Difficulty Reaching Lactation Consultant: Disabled women often experience communication difficulties when seeking lactation support. Lactation consultants need to be aware of the unique needs of disabled women and ensure they are providing appropriate support. By understanding the challenges these women face, consultants can provide better care.

7. Difficulty in Latching: Latch and milk supply problems can be especially challenging for those with mobility issues or physical impairments. Fortunately, lactation consultants specialize in helping disabled women successfully breastfeed.

8. Intense pressure for breastfeeding: Disabled women often feel intense pressure to breastfeed. This pressure often comes from family and society and can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy if they don't breastfeed. Women should be supported to make the best choice for their own situation.

It is essential to provide disabled mothers with the necessary resources, education, and support to overcome these difficulties and experience the benefits of breastfeeding.

What Are the Strategies to Overcome the Difficulties?

There are several ways that disabled women can overcome the difficulties they face while breastfeeding and even enjoy the bonding experience with their babies. Below are some strategies that can help:

• Get Professional Support: Seeking help from healthcare professionals like lactation consultants, occupational therapists, and breastfeeding support groups can be incredibly beneficial for disabled mothers. Such professionals can guide alternative positioning and provide assistive devices that can help ease the physical burden of breastfeeding.

• Advocate for Self-Care: Disabled women must prioritize their physical and emotional health, improving their breastfeeding experience. Self-care can include getting enough rest, exploring safe physical activities, seeking physical therapy or alternative pain management, and maintaining a healthy diet that promotes lactation.

• Seek Out Assistive Equipment: Many assistive devices can assist disabled women in positioning their babies during breastfeeding. Specialty pillows or breastfeeding cushions can ease the pressure on arms or provide support, helping mothers with limited mobility or motor skills problems.

• Educate Yourself and Others: Disabled mothers should educate themselves and their family members on the unique needs of breastfeeding while living with a disability. Personal insights about their body mechanics, functional limitations, and potential medication interactions can be shared with a healthcare provider to establish safe feeding strategies.

• Lean On Supportive Family and Friends: Breastfeeding can be emotionally challenging for many women, especially those with disabilities. Getting support from family, friends, and other breastfeeding mothers can provide critical emotional support and tips on successful breastfeeding strategies.

By adopting such strategies, there is an excellent chance that disabled women can overcome any difficulties and establish a fulfilling and beneficial breastfeeding experience for themselves and their newborns.

Are There Any Organizations That Supports Breastfeeding in Disabled Women?

Organizations supporting disabled women to breastfeed are becoming increasingly important in today's society. Organizations such as the:

• Breastfeeding Network.

• La Leche League International: The La Leche League (LLL) is an international nonprofit organization that promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding and disabled women. The organization has a number of policies in place to help disabled women breastfeed successfully.

• Disabled Mothers Network

Ultimately, organizations providing support to disabled women to breastfeed are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers. By providing resources, advice, and support, these organizations are helping to ensure that all mothers have access to the same level of care and support when it comes to breastfeeding.

What Are the Policies Developed by The World Health Organization?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has policies to promote breastfeeding among disabled women. These policies aim to provide access to appropriate breastfeeding support services and promote breastfeeding among disabled women.

• Support and Guidance: WHO recommends that disabled women be provided with breastfeeding support services that are tailored to their individual needs. This support should include counseling, advice on breastfeeding techniques, and assistance with positioning and latching. WHO recommends that disabled women be provided with access to appropriate infant feeding equipment and supplies.

• Education Materials: WHO recommends that disabled women be provided with the opportunity to participate in peer support groups. These groups allow disabled women to share their experiences and get advice from other women who have gone through similar experiences.

• Counseling from Healthcare Professionals: WHO recommends that disabled women be provided with access to health care professionals who are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and have experience working with disabled women. These healthcare professionals should be available to provide counseling and advice on breastfeeding and nutrition and assist with positioning and latching.

• Access to Equipment: WHO recommends that disabled women have access to education and information about breastfeeding. This could include information on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to safely and effectively breastfeed. It also helps disabled mothers find appropriate nursing bras, breast pumps, and other items designed specifically for women with physical disabilities.

These policies are intended to ensure disabled women have access to the support, resources, and information they need to successfully and safely breastfeed. By providing disabled women with access to appropriate breastfeeding support services, peer support groups, health care professionals, and education and information about breastfeeding, WHO hopes to promote breastfeeding among disabled women.

Conclusion

The good news is that there are many reasons to breastfeed and ways to make it work for you. Even if you can't find it in breastfeeding books, don't be afraid to try something new. Consider using tools like a breast pump or specialized pillow to increase your comfort, especially as your baby grows and becomes potentially more difficult to manage. Surround yourself with a supportive team on both a personal and professional level.