The world marked World Breastfeeding Week earlier this
month, under the theme “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.” The
purpose of this year’s initiative was to reinforce the importance of collective
efforts to promote and protect breastfeeding for every child.
اضافة اعلان
The
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that newborns
be fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months of life.
Although more than nine out of ten infants are
breastfed in
Jordan, according to the 2017-2018 Jordan Health Survey, only 26 percent of children
under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed. Comparatively speaking,
Jordan is below the regional average of 34 percent. Since breastfeeding is an
integral part of healthy infant development, the conversation of breastfeeding is
one that needs be had in Jordan.
Health benefits of breastfeeding in children
Breast milk is more than simply sustenance for newborns; it
contains many proven health benefits that cannot be supplemented, such as an
abundance of antioxidants, enzymes, and immune properties.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the health benefits can
be seen in infancy but also in childhood, and adulthood. Additionally, the
mother may be subject to multiple benefits as well.
During infancy, breast milk helps build stronger immune
systems through a process called passive immunization. Antibodies are molecules
formed in the body that help fight off infections and are developed after
exposure to infections. Each antibody is unique to the specific infection that
the mother is exposed to and is then passed on to the infant via breast milk. This
is the essence of passive immunization and it is critical in neonates, since
they do not have a developed immune system of their own yet.
As a direct result of this principle, infants that are
breastfed, especially exclusively for the first six months of life, have fewer
instances of infections such as colds and respiratory illnesses, ear
infections, bacterial meningitis, and illness overall.
In addition to building a stronger immune system to combat
infections, breastfed babies have fewer cases of gastrointestinal complications
such as diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux (heartburn) and other more serious
complications.
Furthermore, there has been evidence suggesting that breastfeeding
is linked to improvement in vision, decreased rates of infant mortality, and
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
During childhood, many studies have shown that there is
continued health benefits in babies that were breastfed, compared to those that
were not. The most well-established of these studies show fewer instances of
hypersensitivity (allergies) in children, which extends to seasonal allergies, like
eczema, and asthma.
These children were also less likely to have instances of
childhood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphomas, Crohn’s disease and colitis, and
respiratory illnesses, as well as fewer speech problems and decreased
likelihood of child obesity.
Later in life, evidence has shown fewer instances of
rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and pre- and
postmenopausal breast cancers.
Health benefits for mothers
Mothers benefit from breastfeeding their children as well,
both physically and mentally. Physically, breastfeeding promotes increased
weight loss due the increased demand on the body to produce milk, adding approximately
500 calories per day.
Additionally, breastfeeding simulates the uterus to contract,
therefore facilitating a return to normal size. There has also been evidence to
suggest that mothers have fewer cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs), postpartum
bleeding and anemia.
Furthermore, studies that set out to discover long-term
benefits to mothers over their lifetime have shown a potential decrease in
serious illnesses such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus, endometriosis, osteoporosis, diabetes, blood pressure, and heart
disease.
The mental health benefits to mothers tend to be more
prominent and pronounced and their mechanisms are well understood.
The hormones that are secreted in the brain in response to
breastfeeding, called oxytocin and prolactin, have well-documented effects on
stress reduction and general positive emotions. As a result of these hormones,
as well as other mechanisms, mothers who breastfeed generally have fewer
instances of postpartum depression.
Additionally, between the physiological processes and
physical contact between the mother and infant, a stronger bond is formed that
increases affection and helps reduce social and behavioral problems for the
child later in life.
When should you not breastfeed?
Although breastfeeding is important for child development, there
are instances in which a mother should not breastfeed. The Center of Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDC) has a comprehensive list of diseases or
medications that would prevent a mother from being able to breastfeed their
child.
Generally speaking, if the mother is beginning to feel sick
it is best to avoid breastfeeding temporarily until they consult their doctor.
There are certain medications as well that either should not
be taken or will prevent the mother from being able to breastfeed until the
cessation of the medication. For any questions or concerns relating to the
safety of breastfeeding, it is strongly encouraged to have a discussion with
your healthcare professional.
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