Aanchal Mishra
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Written By: Aanchal Mishra | Updated : September 2, 2024 8:04 PM IST
World Breastfeeding Week 2024: How Breastfeeding Helps Both Mom And The Baby. (Image: Freepik)
From August 1 to 7, as we observe the World Breastfeeding Week 2024, it is important to note down the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and her baby. The breasts of the mothers start producing colostrum that is the milk that the child feeds on. This breast milk is highly nutritious for the development and growth of a baby. Breast milk reduces the risk of infections and childhood illness among babies.
According to a study by the Lancet, breastfeeding was linked to reduced chances of post-perinatal infant deaths, or newborn mortality rate. Developing countries like India are at high risk of facing infant mortality or morbidity due to lack of exclusive breastfeeding and proper healthcare services.
Not only the baby but the mother is also at risk of chronic disease including premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease in case of absence of breastfeeding, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health.
In this context, we need to create more awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and child. Access to proper and quality healthcare advice and family support is needed to promote breastfeeding among women along with understanding and sympathizing with their fears and concerns.
Breastfeeding can seem like a big challenge to new moms. However, it is a natural process that can be well understood by good medical advice and counselling. Here are the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.
The World Health Organization recommends mothers to breastfeed infants until the age of six to reduce the risk of childhood illness. Here are 5 ways breastfeeding helps babies grow healthy.
Breastfeeding can be challenging for mothers. They need support from family and friends. Guidance from doctors on breastfeeding the child can help the mother gain strength and confidence. It should also be noted that some women choose not to breastfeed and that is their personal choice. We must support them with their decisions. Some pre-existing health conditions also restrain women from breastfeeding the babies. All new mothers and babies need steadfast support and love.
