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5 facts you need to know about breastfeeding

If you are planning to breastfeed your child, here are a few facts you need to be aware off.

Written by Debjani Arora | Updated : March 20, 2015 6:02 PM IST

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Need To Promote Breastfeeding

UNICEF says that despite compelling evidence that exclusive breastfeeding prevents diarrhoea and pneumonia, global rates of breastfeeding have remained relatively stagnant in the developing world, growing from 32% in 1995 to 39% in 2010. ”If breastfeeding were promoted more effectively, we would see more children survive, with lower rates of disease and lower rates of malnutrition and stunting,” said UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake. Proper breastfeeding exercises could prevent millions of deaths every year. A recent Lancet study also highlighted the fact that non-breastfed children are 14 times likelier to die in the first six months than exclusively breastfed children.

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Good For The Mother Too

Breastfeeding also contributes to a mother’s health – research has found a definite link between breastfeeding and reduced ovarian and breast cancer risk. The Union health ministry supports the WHO stand on duration of breastfeeding and says children should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and should not be given anything else, even water.

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How Breast Milk Is Different From Cows Milk

Colostrum, the human breast milk has high protein content and is also loaded with Vitamin A and sodium chloride (salts) and contains lower amounts of carbohydrates, fats and potassium. This is a good thing because an infant’s digestive system isn’t developed enough to digest normal milk. The antibodies in colostrum provide passive immunity, while growth factors stimulate the development of the gut. They provide the first protection against pathogens. Also Read - World Health Day 2026: Doctors explain why healthy skin reflects overall well-being

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Need To Start Within The First Hour Of Birth

In India, very few children are breastfed one hour after birth. Though statistics suggest 96% children are breastfed only 29% of the urban population and 21% of the rural population are breast within the first hour.

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The Importance Of Breastfeeding

Malnutrition kills one out of three infants in India. 66% of these deaths occur during the first year of life and is often caused by inappropriate feeding practices. According to WHO, breastfeeding is absolutely crucial in the first six months and should continue up to two years along with regular food. Sadly, across the world only one out of three children is breastfed during this period. Breast milk contains nutrients that are vital for the infant in the first few months. Research has demonstrated that mothers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices. Also Read - Gold, Silver Rate Today LIVE: Gold price volatility may trigger financial anxiety - Will rates drop today? Check prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Surat