Why breastfeeding In the first 6 months exclusively is important - Medshield Movement

Why breastfeeding In the first 6 months exclusively is important

Studies show that breastfeeding not only builds immunity, but can help prevent diseases like diabetes, certain cancers and even obesity. Read more below for why breastfeeding exclusively within the first 6 months of an infant’s life is so important.

Stats show that 2 out of 3 infants are not fed exclusively on breastmilk for their first 6 months of life, despite the fact that breastmilk is ideal, clean, safe and contains essential antibodies that help to protect against many common childhood illnesses. Studies consistently show that breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months can create significant positive health impacts for your child.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast milk may have longer term health benefits than previously thought. Feeding your infant on breast milk exclusively may help to reduce the risk of your child becoming overweight or obese and developing noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Here, we share the benefits for both child and mother.

What is Exclusive Breastfeeding?

The WHO states that exclusive breastfeeding means no other food or drink, not even water, except breastmilk (including milk expressed or from a wet nurse) for the first 6 months of life, with the exception of rehydration solution (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines).
Predominant breastfeeding means that the infant’s predominant source of nourishment has been breastmilk (including milk expressed or from a wet nurse as the predominant source of nourishment). The infant may also have received liquids such as water and water-based drinks, fruit juice and ritual fluids.

Both the WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 6 months of life and here’s why:

  1. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions, supporting healthy growth and development.
  2. Continued exclusive breastfeeding helps maintain the infant’s immune system, reducing the incidence of infections like respiratory illnesses, ear infections and gastrointestinal infections.
  3. The act of breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, which is essential for the child’s psychological development and well-being.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

Boost Your Baby’s Immunity

Colostrum, the first form of milk produced immediately following delivery, is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which plays a pivotal role in immune defence, by coating the baby’s intestinal tract and preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream.

Reduce Risk of Diabetes

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that breastfeeding for more than six months was linked to a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes by 30% and type 2 diabetes by 40% compared to those who were breastfed for less than six months or not at all.

Cancer Prevention For Baby & Mom

Breastfeeding can actually help protect both the baby and the mother from developing certain cancers. Studies show that for infants, the risk of developing childhood leukaemia and lymphoma is lower among those who were breastfed and that for mothers, prolonged breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Lower Risk of Obesity
A review by the WHO concluded that children who were breastfed for longer periods had a 12% lower risk of being overweight or obese compared to those who were not breastfed. This is thought to be due to the self-regulation of milk intake by breastfed infants and the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds in human milk on metabolism.

If you have any concerns or questions, speak to your medical doctor for further advice.
For more information on breastfeeding, visit https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ or the WHO site: https://www.who.int/

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