Breastfeeding Is Vital for Child Survival and Development Therefore It Should Be Protected and Promoted

Breastfeeding Is Vital for Child Survival and Development Therefore It Should Be Protected and Promoted

A mother should be encouraged to breastfeed children for at least 1-2 years. There are several benefits gained from breastfeeding which include being a source for nutrients, protection from illnesses and long-term diseases.

Breastfeeding provides more than just the best nutrition for infants, but it also contributes to the development of the brain of the child as well as the wellbeing of the mother. Breastfeeding enhances bonding with the mother because it also involves holding, touching, cooing, nestling and cuddling. These contribute to routines from which the child learns to trust and the mother provides cues for patterns which lead to better life outcomes.

Breast-milk is the ideal meal that helps to build a baby’s immune system. Some other health benefits include psychological wellbeing and satisfaction that the mother has what it takes to provide wholesome care for the child. The act of breastfeeding, contributes to lowering risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Research and different studies suggest that breastfeeding helps build a strong immune system and lowers risk of:

·      Diarrhoea, vomiting and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

·      Respiratory infections like pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), asthma and whooping cough

·      Skin irritation and eczema

·      Continued stress from Postpartum experiences (Tucker et Al, 2022 and Scarborough et Al, 2022)

·      Ear infections and bacterial meningitis due to the antibodies in human milk

·      Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infant mortality

·      Childhood obesity in that babies easily digest and regulate the nutrients in the milk

·      Type 2 diabetes because the baby’s body is able to process glucose and insulin

·      Leukaemia (in childhood) because it contains a protective nature against cancer

·      Cavities and future orthodontic problems for babies less than one year of age

·      Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) because it contains the right amounts of nutrients

Human milk supports a baby’s health because it:

• It is the right formulation which is easy for their immature tummy and intestines to digest
• contains the agents for protection known as antibodies that protect against infection and boost immunity
• is made up of fat, sugar, water, protein and vitamins for the baby’s development
• promotes measured, timely and healthy weight gain
• changes in composition to meet the baby’s nutritional needs over time
• contains substances that naturally soothe your baby

There are many components of breast milk that meet a baby’s needs. These include:

• Carbohydrates, such as lactose, which support a healthy balance of bacteria in your baby’s stomach.
• The Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), particularly the omega-3 fatty acids, are important for brain development during both the foetal and postnatal period (Chia-Yu, 2009). Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is needed for the optimum functional maturation of the retina and visual cortex, with visual acuity, thermal regulation, sensory development and mental development. So, human milk is good for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.
• Proteins, like lactoferrin and secretory IgA, that protect your baby from infections.
• Vitamins that support your baby’s growth.
• The White Blood Cells (WBCs) that fight infection

Besides supporting a mother’s long-term health, breastfeeding has many other benefits, including building a relationship with the baby. Research and studies into breastfeeding show more benefits which include:

• Quicker recovery from childbirth. Breastfeeding produces the hormone oxytocin.  Oxytocin helps the uterus contract after delivery. This helps it return to its normal size and contributes to the reduction in the amount of vaginal bleeding after delivery.
• Increasing physical and emotional bonding. Breastfeeding is a special and unique way to feel connected to the baby. Some researchers have found that the bonding from breastfeeding catalyses social and behavioural patterns that are translated into emotional and social intelligence in later years.
• Establishing trust. Breastfeeding parents learn to read their infant’s cues, and babies learn to trust caregivers. This helps shape the baby’s early behaviour.
• Convenience. One can breastfeed nearly anywhere without worrying about preparing bottles or mixing formula. Human milk is available without needing to bring other supplies.
• Low cost. Breastfeeding may have some initial costs like nursing bras and nipple cream, but it’s more affordable than special foods or formula in the long run.

Communities need to be empowered to engage in promoting and protecting positive breastfeeding experiences because these can lead to positive wellbeing. However, there are structural, political, economic, gender, cultural, medical and environmental pressures to breastfeeding that often lead to neglect of the child, negative wellbeing and mental ill-health.

Breastfeeding is a source of nutrient, it creates and strengthens bonding between mother and child, contributes to wellbeing and quality of life for both the mother and child.

There is need to support, protect and promote contexts for longer breastfeeding duration, specifically for those mothers experiencing fear of shame, discouragement and mental health difficulties.