According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2 out of 3 infants are not exclusively breastfed; only 44% of infants aged 0-6 months worldwide were exclusively breastfed.

Breastfeeding is the source of nutrition needed by infants from birth up to 6 months as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and can be continued by gradual introducing of appropriate complementary feeding until 2 years of life or if the baby and mother desire it.

Breastfeeding is the most effective and healthy way to support the growth and development of infants. Breast milk is guaranteed accessible, nutritious, and safe source of food that provides antibodies protecting newborns from infection or illnesses, helpful for good digestion. Moreover, having direct physical contact of mother with the baby creates a special bond and develops a sense of security.

The essential nutrients of breastmilk include protein, fats (essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid), carbohydrates such as human milk oligosaccharides or HMO, vitamins, and minerals. Colostrum is the milk secreted in the first few days after giving birth, which contains high concentration of protein, low in fat and sugar, vitamins, minerals, and number of immunoglobulins (antibodies).

Benefits of breastfeeding to infants include lower risk of:

• Obesity
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Asthma
• Severe lower respiratory disease
• Acute Otitis (ear infections)
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Gastrointestinal infection
• Allergies

Benefits to mothers who breastfed include a lower risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Aids in post-pregnancy weight loss

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and experts with the health department emphasize promoting and supporting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for children – meaning no other food or liquid including water from birth up to 6 months to achieve optimal nutrition. Failure to do so can result in undernutrition such as stunting.

Written by: DMO II (PNFP) Pryce Manrique

References:

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. World Health Organization. Retrieved August 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1

Awareness of the importance of breastfeeding is not sufficient - support is also needed. (n.d.). Www.unicef.org. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/bih/en/stories/awareness-importance-breastfeeding-not-sufficient-support-also-needed

‌Breastfeeding must continue amidst COVID-19 | Department of Health website. (2020). Doh.gov.ph. https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/Breastfeeding-must-continue-amidst-COVID-19

Breastmilk information. (n.d.). INC - Infant Nutrition Council. https://www.infantnutritioncouncil.com/breastmilk-information/

‌ CDC. (2020, May 28). Breastfeeding FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm#benefits

Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2021. (n.d.). Www.asbmb.org. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from https://www.asbmb.org/asbmb-today/science/080921/breastfeeding-awareness-month-2021

Colostrum: What Is It, Benefits & What To Expect. (2022, February 21). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22434-colostrum

‌Joint statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week. (n.d.). Www.who.int. Retrieved August 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news/item/31-07-2022-joint-statement-by-unicef-executive-director-catherine-russell-and-who-director-general-dr-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-on-the-occasion-of-world-breastfeeding-week