Did you know that only 38% of the world’s babies are breastfed? And that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer? Do not miss this decalogue full of very interesting facts about breastfeeding in the world that WHO has prepared.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 38% of babies younger than six months are breastfed. This is a very low figure, especially when you consider that breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for newborns.
For all these reasons, the WHO has produced a decalogue with very interesting data on breastfeeding. The goal: to get more and more women to breastfeed their babies as the healthiest, most affordable and natural option to feed newborns.
1. The first six months, breastfeeding only
The WHO recommends that, for the first six months, the baby be fed exclusively on breast milk. Breastfeeding should always be on demand and start during the first hour of life and last as long as possible.
2. Breastfeeding protects the baby from many diseases
The benefits for the newborn are well known: in addition to providing all the nutrients necessary for proper development, breast milk contains antibodies that protect the infant against diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
3. In mothers, it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Breastfeeding is also good for moms: It helps them regain their pre-pregnancy weight, reduces obesity rates, and reduces the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. In addition, although it is not totally safe, it also works as a natural contraceptive method, since it offers 98% protection during the first six months.
4. Breastfeeding gives health for life
In addition to the immediate health benefits of the baby, numerous studies have shown the benefits of long-term breastfeeding. For example, adults and adolescents who were breastfed are less likely to be overweight and suffer from type 2 diabetes. They also perform better on intelligence tests.
5. Breast milk is more complete than formulas
Firstly, the formulas do not contain the antibodies found in breast milk, which are key for the child’s immune system to develop properly and provide protection against future diseases. On the other hand, if the artificial milk is diluted too much, it can cause malnutrition problems for the baby. Other risks are associated with the preparation of milk in the absence of adequate hygiene conditions, such as the use of unhealthy water or non-sterile material.
Also, while breastfeeding maintains breast milk production, if formula is used but suddenly no longer has access to it, a return to breastfeeding may be impossible.
6. HIV can be transmitted through breast milk
The WHO recommends that mothers infected with HIV who want to breastfeed their children receive antiretrovirals, and follow their recommendations for infant feeding, as the virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.
7. It is prohibited to distribute free samples of breast milk substitutes
The commercialization of these substitutes is regulated internationally according to a code that was adopted in 1981. It stipulates that there are no promotional activities or distribution of free samples of these products among pregnant women, mothers, families and health workers. Additionally, formula labels should inform about the benefits of breastfeeding.
8. Many women have trouble starting to breastfeed
No one is born knowing, and problems like nipple pain or fear of not having enough milk are normal at first. Little by little, mothers and children will adapt to this process.
9. Return to work is a frequent cause of breastfeeding abandonment
If in the workplace there are no adequate conditions to continue breastfeeding, the woman is forced to abandon breastfeeding, totally or partially, much earlier than desired. However, there are measures that facilitate the reconciliation between this practice and professional activity: paid maternity leave, part-time work, day-care centers at the workplace, facilities where breastfeeding or expressing and collecting milk and pauses to breastfeed.
10. From six months on, new foods must be gradually introduced
As a supplement to breast milk, from six months babies should start eating solid foods. The WHO also recommends that they be administered in a spoon or cup instead of a bottle. The introduction of solid foods is a process that takes time: you have to be patient. Breast milk will continue to be the main nutritional contribution for the baby during this period of transition, and the main objective of introducing solids in the diet is for the child to get used to the “older” food.