World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from Aug 1 to 7, is a global initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and various ministries of health and civil society partners.
It serves as a platform to highlight breastfeeding as a foundation for lifelong health, development, and equity.
Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival. It provides safe, nutrient-rich nourishment packed with antibodies that protect against illness, while also strengthening the emotional bond between mother and infant.
While physical breastfeeding challenges are often acknowledged, the emotional and psychological toll remains underdiscussed. For many Malaysian mothers, the experience is deeply emotional, entangled with guilt, stress, and isolation.
Breastfeeding in Malaysia is often a mother’s determination, supported by encouragement from her partner.
However, even the most motivated mothers frequently encounter significant obstacles - ranging from limited breastfeeding knowledge and lack of support from healthcare professionals and family members to outdated facilities that make breastfeeding more challenging.
These challenges impact not only breastfeeding practices but also maternal mental health. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed - one that integrates education, emotional support, and infrastructure improvements.
Breastfeeding is more than a biological function; it is closely linked with hormonal changes, particularly oxytocin, which promotes relaxation and bonding.
However, issues such as low milk supply, difficulty in latching, or painful conditions such as engorged breasts, blocked ducts, or inverted nipples can trigger emotional stress. These challenges often heighten anxiety, especially in first-time mothers.
There is a significant association between low breastfeeding success rates and postpartum depression - depression can hinder breastfeeding, and breastfeeding challenges can deepen depression.
Exclusive breastfeeding
In Malaysia, exclusive breastfeeding is often seen as a moral responsibility and a reflection of good motherhood. As a result, mothers who use formula milk may feel judged or inadequate. This cultural stigma, compounded by rigid messaging from healthcare providers and social media, often intensifies this guilt.
Despite progress in maternal and child healthcare, mental health remains a taboo topic in many Malaysian households. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022 reported that 11.2 percent of postpartum women showed signs of depression. Yet many cases go undiagnosed and untreated, as emotional distress is often dismissed as a normal part of motherhood.
New mothers often suffer in silence, fearing judgment or being perceived as weak. Some older relatives may downplay their struggles, reinforcing stigma and discouraging open dialogue. Unless mothers feel safe to speak up, their psychological impact remains invisible in healthcare settings.
Another key stressor is the limited maternity leave. Malaysian women employed in both public and private sectors typically return to work within 90 days after childbirth, with little time to establish a consistent breastfeeding routine. Many workplaces lack breastfeeding-friendly policies, such as designated lactation rooms, proper storage, or flexible breaks for mothers to express milk.
Moreover, it is often observed that new working mothers experience emotional exhaustion when torn between workplace responsibilities and their desire to continue breastfeeding. This role conflict increases anxiety and frequently leads to the early cessation of breastfeeding.
Despite these challenges, support systems can ease the burden. Structured counselling and peer support groups have been shown to improve outcomes for both breastfeeding and maternal mental health. Partner and family support, in particular, can help mothers navigate the emotional ups and downs.
Initiatives such as the Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Association offer mother-to-mother support in non-judgmental environments. Such efforts have been proven to reduce postpartum depression and increase breastfeeding success.
Key steps to support mothers
To better support Malaysian mothers, several key steps should be prioritised. Mental health screening must be integrated into postnatal care routines across both public and private healthcare sectors to identify mothers who are at risk of emotional distress early on.
Healthcare providers must be trained to recognise and address the psychological aspects of breastfeeding, ensuring more empathetic and comprehensive care.
Expanding access to peer support groups and counselling hotlines can provide mothers with timely emotional guidance. Equally important, workplaces must adopt breastfeeding-friendly policies - providing adequate time, private spaces for milk expression, and a culture that supports working mothers.
While breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and joyful experience, for many Malaysian mothers, it can be a silent source of stress, guilt, and emotional fatigue. Recognising and addressing these mental health challenges is vital for holistic maternal care.
By fostering a more empathetic and inclusive system, we can empower mothers, support their choices, and protect their mental well-being - because a healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family. - Mkini
DR MALAR KANDASAMY is a senior lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and DR GANESH RAMACHANDRAN is the head of the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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