Why Breastfeeding is so important
World breastfeeding week is a global campaign started in 1992 to raise public awareness of the health and wellbeing outcomes and to support breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week is officially celebrated on 1-7 August every year.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. Early initiation of breastfeeding, in the 1st hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for 6months and continued breastfeeding along with complimentary food upto 2 years or beyond as per the mother and baby’s preferences yields tremendous health benefits.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers.
•Optimal nutrition: Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development.
•Immune protection: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants from various illness, infections and develop a strong immune system.
•Long term health benefits: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of Asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and less likely to have ear and gastrointestinal infections.
•Bonding: The skin-to-skin contact and nursing creates a sense of security, comfort and forms a strong bond between the mother and baby ensuring balanced physical and emotional growth.
•Postpartum benefits of the mother: Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract and return to its pre pregnancy size faster, reduces postpartum bleeding, aids in postpartum weight loss and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
It is essential for new mothers to seek support and guidance to establish successful breastfeeding. Lactation consultants, healthcare providers and support groups can be valuable resources during this time.
Doctors:
Dr. Madhu George , Consultant Neonatologist
Dr. Jaya Gunavardhanan and Dr. Santosh Mogali Pediatricians
Dr. Dhaval Tamboli and Rachan Bhaskar Hedge Pediatrician & Neonatologist
Hadi Clinic
Kuwait