The Benefits of Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 20 April 2021

RO9 EBF We often hear exclusive breastfeeding is best for infants 0 at 6 months and breast milk is still necessary to be given to the baby continuously from 6 months onwards along with complementary feeding. But what really is breastfeeding and what nourishment will infants and young children get from it? How breast milk differs from milk formula? These are the things that most people, especially mothers should be curious about.

Breast milk is produced during the lactation period of the mother and is the ideal food for infants for the first six months of life. Breast milk is safe, clean, and contains antibodies to help fight infections and illnesses. It also provides sufficient energy and nutrients that the infant needs for its growth and development. Above all, breastfeeding is free and cost-effective for families that ensure health and survival for both the infant and the mother.

Under Executive Order No. 51 or also known as the Philippine Milk Code of 1986, the marketing of commercialized infant formula and other products for 6 months and below have been regulated in the Philippines. It aims at promoting the benefits of breast milk in infants and the health safety of mothers. This is because milk formula has a lot of disadvantages for infants which include poor response to baby’s changing dietary needs, not easily digestible, has poor IQ-increasing properties, and does not have immunity-boosting qualities. Baby formulas are also expensive and can cause allergies to infants.

Complementary feeding is needed to provide energy and essential nutrients required for continued growth and development. This recommended feeding practices during this time ensures that the infant receives all necessary nutrients including some micronutrients missing for many infants such as Iron, Zinc and Vitamin A. Most mothers and/ or caregivers are hesitant to administer meat and other food sources from meat, and green leafy vegetables because of their traditional practices as they believe that it causes indigestion but little did they know these food groups are good sources of these nutrients. It is best to include iodized salt in the preparation of an infant's meal.

Although complementary feeding has been recommended starting at six months, breastfeeding is still essential to answer the baby’s nutritional needs up to 2 years and beyond. As complementary foods need to be introduced, this should not undermine breastfeeding. However, along with continued breastfeeding, it should provide sufficient energy, protein, and micronutrients to cover the baby’s energy and nutrient requirements, thus porridge must be enriched with mashed fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat among others. The way to properly nurture and care for our babies is to pay attention to their overall nutrition and other health needs as they are vulnerable to malnutrition which can affect their growth and development. Patronize breastfeeding and it will be paid off with good benefits not just at present but in the future.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar

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