In the small, tight-knit community of Ang Thong, located in central Thailand, two mothers, Sunisa Ngamjareon and Jirachaya Thahoethong, share their heartfelt journeys of breastfeeding. As World Breastfeeding Week 2024 approaches on August 1-7, with the theme "Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding," their stories shed light on how they build breastfeeding self-efficacy, the unwavering support they received and their mission to overcome the challenges they faced. Their experiences highlight the importance of support in nurturing a breastfeeding-friendly hospital, community and workplace and society at large.
Both Sunisa and Jirachaya faced significant struggles in their breastfeeding journeys. Sunisa grappled with issues like her baby's latch and insufficient milk supply, while Jirachaya had to balance her responsibilities as a working mother and find time and space to pump milk. They both encountered societal pressures and traditional beliefs from older generations that conflicted with modern breastfeeding practices. Despite these challenges, the support from Ang Thong Hospital's nurses proved invaluable in their determination to continue breastfeeding.
Sunisa Ngamjareon recalls the joy and anxiety of her first breastfeeding experience, highlighting the challenges she faced with her baby's latch and milk supply, and how the support from Ang Thong Hospital's nurses made all the difference. 2024 © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
Sunisa Ngamjareon vividly recalls the overwhelming mix of joy and anxiety she felt when she first held her newborn. "I was excited to breastfeed, but the reality was challenging," she confesses. Despite her enthusiasm, Sunisa faced difficulties with her baby's latch and insufficient milk supply. The initial days were filled with frustration and doubt, but the support from Ang Thong Hospital's nurses made all the difference.
"The nurses were incredible. They guided me through every step, from ensuring the first latch to teaching me how to pump effectively," Sunisa says with gratitude. Wanpen Kawayawong, the “Expert Professional Nurse” at the Breastfeeding Clinic in Ang Thong Hospital, played a pivotal role in Sunisa's journey. "We aim to empower mothers with the knowledge and confidence they need to successfully breastfeed. Sunisa's determination was truly inspiring," says Nurse Wanpen.
Nurse Wanpen Kawayawong, a pioneering advocate for breastfeeding at Ang Thong Hospital, is dedicated to empowering and supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. 2024 © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
The challenge was not just about breastfeeding but also about balancing her responsibilities as a working mother. "Ensuring the proper positioning of my baby helped me manage breastfeeding issues, especially with latching problems. This simple adjustment made a significant difference for both my baby and me," Jirachaya explains.
Mrs. Jirachaya Thahoethong receives breastfeeding training at Ang Thong Hospital, ensuring she has the skills and confidence to nurse her baby successfully. 2024 © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
However, the lack of dedicated nursing rooms at her workplace posed a significant hurdle. "I had to pump in the office restroom because there was no dedicated nursing room. Managing time between work and breastfeeding was tough," she admits. Although her workplace eventually provided a private corner and a refrigerator to store pumped milk, making breastfeeding more convenient, the challenges of balancing work and breastfeeding persisted."Our team is trained to assist mothers with the first latch, which is vital for establishing successful breastfeeding. We address any immediate concerns and provide continuous support to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable," shares Nurse Achara Kaewsin, Expert professional nurse (delivery room). "We also provide education and tips to help mothers navigate the inconveniences they face, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to continue breastfeeding successfully." Support from healthcare workers, starting from their first antenatal visit until delivery and after childbirth, has been vital for both mothers in overcoming these challenges.
Both Sunisa and Jirachaya encountered traditional beliefs from older generations that often conflicted with modern breastfeeding practices. "My mother and grandmother believed in supplementing with water and formula in the early months of the baby, thinking it was better for the baby's growth," Sunisa recalls. Overcoming these deep-rooted beliefs required patience, education, and support. Ang Thong Hospital's commitment to promoting breastfeeding through education and community support was instrumental in breaking these barriers. "By providing accurate information and continuous support, we help mothers make informed decisions about breastfeeding," says Dr. Duangporn Asawarachan, Director of Ang Thong Hospital. The hospital's adherence to the WHO/UNICEF 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding ensures that mothers receive comprehensive support from pregnancy through the postpartum period.
A breastfeeding information poster at the Breastfeeding Clinic in Ang Thong Hospital details the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and raises awareness about the negative impact of powdered milk. 2024 © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
Another significant challenge both mothers faced was the influence of powdered milk advertisements. These ads often made them question their ability to breastfeed exclusively. "There were times I doubted if I was giving enough to my baby," Jirachaya admits. However, after discussing these concerns with the nurses, they were reassured about the benefits of breastfeeding. "The nurses explained the benefits of breastfeeding and helped us understand why it was important to stick with it despite the temptations of formula milk widely available in supermarkets," says Sunisa. This guidance helped them resist the marketing pressures, including those online, and remain committed to breastfeeding.
Both mothers are passionate advocates for breastfeeding, emphasizing its numerous benefits. "Breastfeeding saves money and keeps my baby healthy. It's also good for my health, reducing the risk of breast cancer," Jirachaya asserts. Sunisa adds, "Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between me and my baby. It provides the best nutrition and boosts the baby's immune system. My first child was breastfed for one full year and he has never been sick." Both mothers highlighted how breastfeeding exclusively saved them a lot of money, reducing the need to buy expensive formula.
A mother holds her pregnant stomach, looking forward to the benefits of breastfeeding, including better immunity and nutrition for her baby, and health benefits for herself. 2024 © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
Their stories are a testament to the power of community, education, and support in overcoming challenges and breaking traditional barriers. Through the dedicated efforts of Ang Thong Hospital's staff, Sunisa and Jirachaya have not only succeeded in their breastfeeding journeys but also inspired others in their community.
The collective efforts of Ang Thong Hospital's dedicated staff create a nurturing haven for mothers and their babies. As World Breastfeeding Week 2024 emphasizes, empowering parents and enabling breastfeeding is a community-wide endeavour. Through education, support, and unwavering commitment, Ang Thong Hospital is leading the way in fostering a breastfeeding-friendly culture in Thailand. Following the WHO recommendations, Ang Thong Hospital exemplifies good practices in breastfeeding support. "By adhering to these international guidelines, we strive to provide the highest standard of care for mothers and their babies," says Dr. Duangporn.
The experiences of Sunisa and Jirachaya highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems in promoting successful breastfeeding. Their journeys serve as an inspiration for other mothers, showing that with the right support, it is possible to overcome challenges and provide the best for their children.