In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, the Health Promotion Service of the NGHA distributed pamphlets educating mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to overcome any difficulties that may arise. Natural milk provides the best start to a healthy life for the baby as it contains all the necessary nutrients and is the only food needed during the first six months. Mother’s milk is always clean and fresh and a suitable temperature unlike processed milk from bottles which need to be prepared sterilized and can sometimes be too hot for infants.
Mother’s milk also changes to meet the growing needs of the infant, helps to protect against infections, allergies and illnesses. Additionally, internal disturbances such as diarrhea, chest problems like asthma, childhood cancers, food allergies to items such as wheat gluten, obesity and diabetes and adult heart disease are all reduced compared to children who are bottle fed. The average number of infections occurring in breastfed children compared to bottle fed is also much less not only because of the natural immunity offered through the mother’s milk, but also because mothers tend to stay home more. |
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Another benefit to breastfeeding is the reduced cost to feeding the child during the first year of life as there are no bottles to purchase and sterilize, nor the formula milk which can often cause intestinal disturbances or allergies. Mother’s milk provides good mental growth, immunity, good dental formation and growth, less ear and chest infections and less likelihood of having skin problems such as eczema. Therefore, no other milk can imitate natural mother’s milk.
Breastfeeding also offers several benefits for the mother. The process of producing milk helps return the body back to its pre-pregnancy status. Because nursing works to stimulate hormones, it causes contractions in the uterus which help it to shrink back to its original size. Nursing also creates a stronger bond between the child and mother, helps to strengthen the bones, and reduces the chances of having ovarian and breast cancer. Although difficult for some women in the beginning, the overall benefits for both the mother and child outweigh the effort needed and therefore support should be given to ensure that it is a successful experience for both.
For more information visit World Breastfeeding Week and also La Leche League | |
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