Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for a baby and
provides many health benefits for both mother and baby. In fact, breast milk has disease-fighting
antibodies that can help protect infants from several types of illnesses and is
possibly the most important way of ensuring health and survival.
Studies confirm that women who have breastfed their
children have lower risks of major health conditions such as ovarian cancer,
breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Breastfeeding has also been linked to lower rates of obesity and has
been found to help women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster.
A Global Deficiency
Globally less than 40% of infants under six months of age
are exclusively breastfed according to the World Health Organization
(WHO). Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and
families could save many young lives through improving the best source of
nourishment for infants and young children – breast milk.
Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps
to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.
WHO strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
of life. At six months, other foods should complement breastfeeding for up to
two years or more. In addition:
- breastfeeding should begin within an hour of birth
- breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night
- bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.
Breastfeeding Protects Babies
A recent study by the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences showed that children who are breastfed have a 20 percent lower
risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and 1 year than children who weren't
breastfed, with longer breastfeeding associated with lower risk.
Breast milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies that a
child would not receive any other way.
Diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and other devastating infantile
conditions can be greatly reduced by simply breastfeeding. Breast milk is also very easy to digest and
readily absorbed in comparison to artificial formulas.
A strong correlation has been found between breastfeeding
and a lifetime of good health. Adults
who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure, cholesterol,
rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Breastfeeding can also protect against the development of allergies and
other immune system related conditions.
Is Infant Formula Bad?
Infant formula does not contain any of the necessary
antibodies found in breast milk. One of the most common challenges that can put
a child at risk is how the formula is prepared.
Risk factors include unsafe water, unsterilized equipment and bacteria
laced powdered formulas.
Severe malnutrition can result from not breastfeeding,
over-relying and over-diluting the formula.
Breastfeeding is the most cost-efficient way to nourish a child as long
as the breast milk supply lasts.
HIV & Breastfeeding
HIV is a growing concern throughout the world and proactive
steps must be taken to reduce the risk of mother-child transmission. A mother can pass the infection during
pregnancy, delivery and through breastfeeding.
Antiretroviral (ARV) intervention can significantly reduce the risk of
transmission through breast feeding.
How Long Should I Breastfeed?
It is important to add complementary foods as the child
continues to grow at six months of age and beyond. Breastfeeding should not be replaced or
decreased with the addition of food.
Children require the nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk for
the first two years or more.
Breastfeeding is the most important health-building and disease-fighting strategy for mothers and children alike. Consult with your healthcare professional for specific recommendations on how to incorporate this cost-effective and life-saving strategy.
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
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