Cebu City -- Breastfeeding has always been the greatest gift a mother can give to their child. It allows the mother and baby to bond during feeding time and is the best nutritional choice for infants as there is a lot of nutritional value and helps build the baby’s immune system.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council Region VII promote exclusive breastfeeding because of the valuable benefits breastmilk can provide for both mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding means giving a baby only breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water.
It is worthy to note that exclusive breastfeeding is so important and beneficial that it is included in the 10 KUMAINMENTS: Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to six months then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond for optimum growth and development.
DOH emphasizes that there is a substance in breastmilk that can reduce or inhibit milk production.
“If a lot of milk is left in the breast because the baby did not feed well or did not feed at all, the inhibitor will protect the breast from the harmful effect of being too full by not producing anymore milk. It is important that the mother gives only breast milk in the first 6 months of life and allow the baby to stop on his/her own in order to empty the breast and be ready for the next production of breast milk. Breastfeeding should continue after six months while complementary foods are given until two years and beyond,” said DOH.
Why is there so much emphasis on breastmilk? These are the reasons:
Breastmilk helps your child fight infections
Mothers pass their antibodies and germ-fighting factors to the baby, helping them fight infections and strengthening their immune system. Today, some mothers may have concerns about possibly transmitting COVID-19 to the baby through breastfeeding. However, WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have advised mothers to continue breastfeeding as it will not affect the baby’s health. Mothers should practice precautions when breastfeeding by following the 3Ws: Wear a mask, wash hands, and wipe and disinfect.
Your child will gain a lot of nutrition
Breast milk is the “perfect food” for a baby's digestive system. The components include lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat which can be easily digested by the baby once consumed, giving your baby the best nutritional value for better growth development and immunity.
Breastmilk is costless
Mothers do not need to spend additional money on bottles, nipples, and other bottle-feeding supplies for breast milk as it is readily available from the mothers while formula milk does. Mothers are able to give milk to their babies at any time of the day.
For new mothers, breastfeeding can be challenging. A common struggle a mother faces is the engorgement of the breast; it is the most uncomfortable and painful process of breastfeeding as it causes the breast to be full and hard. When engorgement starts, mothers should pump their milk or breastfeed their baby to ease the pain.
Breastfeeding takes learning and practice. May new mothers look at their baby for the motivation they need to actively practice exclusive breastfeeding. // Jewelle Chua, The Memoriter Writing Service intern, with Nancy Cudis-Ucag, MIND 7 VP for Social Media
