Studies show that breastfeeding helps improve the health of baby as well as mother. A woman grows both physically and emotionally from the relationship she forms with her baby. There are many benefits of breastfeeding aside from the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
Breastmilk is best for babies
Breastmilk satisfies the infants hunger and thirst at the same time. It helps create a loving bond between the mother and baby. The first milk produced at the end of pregnancy is called colostrum, a thick milk yellowish in color which is very rich in protein and antibodies. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended it as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.
To achieve optimal health, growth and development among infants, they should be exclusively breastfed in the first six (6) months of life. No other food or drink, not even water; only breast milk. Then after six (6) months of age give appropriate complementary food and continue breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
Protection against diseases
Breastfeeding is the foundation of good nutrition and protects children against disease. In this way, breastfeeding allows all children to thrive and develop to their full potential. Babies who are breastfed have better resistance against childhood diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Optimal breastfeeding of infants under two years of age has the greatest potential impact on child survival of all preventive interventions. It has the possible to prevent over 800,000 deaths (13 per cent of all deaths) among children under five years old in the developing world (Lancet 2013). Children who are breastfed are less likely to become overweight or obese; and or develop non-communicable diseases later in life. Studies showed that exclusively breastfed infants up to 9 months achieved more motor milestones and enhanced learning ability. Further, it has higher intelligence quotient (IQ) scores because of the fatty acids found in breastmilk, thus better performance in school or work later in life.
Benefits to the Mother
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to babies but also to mothers. Breastfeeding contributes to maternal health immediately after the delivery because it helps reduce the risk of post-partum bleeding. In the short term, breastfeeding plays an integral part of the reproductive process because exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of the mother’s menstrual period, a natural form of contraception, which can help extend the time between pregnancies and in the long term, it reduces type 2 diabetes; and breast, uterine and or ovarian cancers. Studies have also found an association between early cessation of breastfeeding and postnatal depression in mothers.
Many mothers, especially the first-time moms worry if they can provide enough breastmilk for their babies. Virtually every mother can breastfeed, if given appropriate support, advice and encouragement. Early skin-to-skin contact between mothers and babies, frequent and unrestricted breast feeding to ensure continued production of milk, and proper positioning are important for a successful breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding actions in the Philippines
The government in collaboration with existing health organizations, intensified campaigns and advocacies through issuing laws and formulation of plans to protect and ensure that every child will have an optimum health, growth and development which will be beneficial to them not only in the early life but also in later years.
In 2005, Senate Bill No. 2026 known as "The National Breastfeeding Awareness Month Act" was issued. The bill seeks to reestablish the culture of breastfeeding and instill public awareness about its superiority and benefits vis-a-vis bottle-feeding. Also, a global strategy, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) was issued jointly by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2002 to reverse the disturbing trends on infant and young child feeding practices. This strategy has one primarily goal which is to reduce the child mortality and morbidity through optimal feeding of infants and young children.
The 2018 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) result shows that exclusive breastfeeding among 0-5 months old significantly improved in a span of 7 years, but the rate of breastfeeding exclusively until 5.9 months’ duration remains low. It was found that exclusive breastfeeding rate at 5 months old were dropped to 29% from 65% at 0-month old. Also, meeting the minimum acceptable diet to ensure both dietary and nutrient adequacy, is very low, particularly among infants 6-11 months, thus complementary feeding remains sub-optimal.
This recent result shows that there still a need to intensify infant and young child feeding awareness campaigns especially to the pregnant mothers. Anyone can be an advocate, promote, protect and support breastfeeding. Focus in supporting both parents to be empowered is important to realize their breastfeeding goals. It is everyone’s responsibility to secure and protect the health of children, our future. (NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
