Health facts on breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.

 If breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, a good number of children lives would be saved every year. According to WHO, "Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.

World Health Organization actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children, and urge all international and national health organizations, public health workers and other health relating bodies to work so hard in enlightening pregnant women and nursing mothers on the benefits and necessities of exclusive breastfeeding of infants and young children.

This health fact article explores the many benefits of the practice, and how strong support mothers can increase breastfeeding worldwide.

1. Breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial: World Health Organization recommends that:

• Mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour birth;
• Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six (6) months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health, and thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to be breastfed, and
• Breastfeeding should continue for up two (2) years or beyond.

2. Breastfeeding protects infants from childhood illnesses: Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate nutrition.

3. Breastfeeding also benefit mothers: Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with natural (through not fail-safe) method of birth control (98% protection in the first six months after birth). It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and postpartum depression.

4. Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for children: Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health. Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. They are less likely to have type-II diabetes and perform better in intelligence tests.

5. Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk: The long-term benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children cannot be replicated with infant formula. When infant formula is not properly prepared, there are risks arising from the use of unsafe water and unsterilized equipment or the potential presence of bacteria in powdered formula. Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula to ''stretch'' supplies. While frequent feeding maintains breast milk supply, if formula is used but becomes unavailable, a return to breastfeeding may not be an option due to diminished breast milk production.

6. Transmission of HIV through breastfeeding can be reduced with drugs: An HIV-infected mother can pass the infection to her infant during pregnancy, delivery and through breastfeeding. However, anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs given to either the mother or HIV-exposed infant reduces the risk of transmission. Together, breastfeeding and ARVs have the potential to significantly improve infants' chances of surviving while remaining HIV uninfected. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that when HIV-infected mothers breastfed, they should receive ARVs and follow WHO guidance for infant feeding.

7. Solid foods should be phased in at six (6) months: To meet the growing needs to babies at six months of age, mashed solid foods should be introduced as a complement to continued breastfeeding. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals. WHO notes that:

• Breastfeeding should not be decreased when starting on solid foods,
• Food should be given with a spoon or cup, not in a bottle,
• Food should be clean and safe, and 
• Ample time is needed for young children to learn to eat solid foods.   

8. Mothers should continue breastfeeding at work: Many mothers who turn to work abandon breastfeeding partially or completely because they do not have sufficient time, or a place to breastfeed, express and store their milk. Mothers need a safe, clean and private place in or near their workplace to continue breastfeeding. Enabling conditions at work, such as paid maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, on-site creches, facilities for expressing and storing breast milk,, and breastfeeding breaks, can help.