During World Breastfeeding Week 2022, which will be held from August 1 to 7, the importance of this activity is promoted, which guarantees the health and survival of children.
Breastfeeding not only promotes the bond between mother and baby, it also provides benefits that reduce the risk of disease.
Good nutrition in the early stages of life has benefits in physical growth and brain development, hence the importance of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother.
However, two out of three babies under 1 year of age are not breastfed for the first 6 months of life, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a type of feeding that consists of giving the baby only breast milk and no other solid or liquid food. It is considered a natural way of providing nutrients for optimal development.
Through breastfeeding, the bond between the mother and the baby is promoted, which, regardless of the environment, has food security since the beginning of its life.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breast milk is not just a safe and clean food, it has antibodies that protect against disease and provide the energy your baby needs during the first few months of life.
The WHO has disclosed other benefits of breastfeeding, not only for the baby, but also for the mother.
- The risk of babies suffering from sudden infant death syndrome is reduced by up to 60%.
- Provides nutrients and hydration to newborns.
- Helps prevent gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
- Reduces the risk of overweight and obesity by 13%.
- It is associated with long-term cognitive development and IQ.
- Breastfeeding women have a 32% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
- It favors the physical recovery of mothers.
- Reduces the risk of bleeding after the baby is born.
- In the mother, the risk of having breast cancer is reduced by 26%.
- Help families avoid extra expenses for formula and bottles.
How long should breastfeeding last?
According to the WHO, breastfeeding should start within the first hour after the baby is born and continue as an exclusive form of nutrition for 6 months.
From half a year of age, the child receives complementary food, that is, he can consume breast milk and other foods that are nutritionally adequate for his age. This phase lasts until the age of 2 years on average or until the decision to stop breastfeeding.
Where to get more information?
La Leche League is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes and supports breastfeeding with a parenting style that values motherhood. It offers mother-to-mother support and updated information, seeking to rescue the culture of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is much more than giving the best food: it is also contact, comfort and communication. Human milk is living tissue that contains antibodies that help fight infections. No other milk, nor any other food contains antibodies.
This organization has up-to-date information and continuing education on breastfeeding. Its publications present information on topics of interest to families of breastfed children, in general, and are not intended to be a recommendation or medical advice. They invite you to bring what you think is relevant to your family’s lifestyle and to ask medical and legal questions to the corresponding professionals.