The protective effect that breast milk has on the health of the child is known and that is why the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends it as exclusive food during the first six months of life and supplemented with solid food for, at least, two years.
Over the years, constant reviews based on quality studies have been made and there is no reason to stop making this recommendation, but on the contrary: new research continues to support it.
Is it enough to give only breast milk?
One of the biggest concerns of mothers, and a reason for abandoning breastfeeding, is believing that their milk is not enough food to satisfy the baby’s growth demands and therefore, they decide to introduce formula milk or sometimes a complementary diet before of the six months. However, breastfeeding alone has been proven to provide adequate nutrients and energy for proper development .
When feedings are on demand, breastfeeding is well established (breastfeeding at least 10-12 times a day) and there are signs that the baby is well fed (wets the diaper several times a day, gains weight, is well hydrated) , exclusively breast milk is enough food for the first six months of the baby’s life.
And the risk of anemia? With regard to iron deficiency anemia , something that we have talked about on several occasions has been emphasized: a child’s iron levels at six months are highly dependent on iron stores at birth and early cutting of the cord (which can reduce bookings by up to 33%).
To avoid anemia in babies the solution is therefore to make sure that the mother does not develop anemia during pregnancy and to delay the cutting of the cord. In this way, the baby’s reserves will be greater and he will be able to have the iron insured for up to, at least, six months.
Benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
In addition to being nutritionally sufficient, drinking breast milk exclusively for six months reduces the risk of developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in the baby, among many other benefits.
- Breastfeeding is related to improvements in the baby’s immune system and develops beneficial bacteria for the baby’s intestine, acting as a natural vaccine against bacteria and viruses that can develop diseases.
- Breastfeeding protects against infections such as colds, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, otitis, meningitis, urinary tract infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Breast milk adapts to each stage of the baby , providing what it needs most at each moment of its growth.
- Breast milk also adapts its composition when the baby is ill and helps him to recover sooner.
- In the case of premature babies (born with less than 37 weeks of gestation), milk adapts its composition acting as a natural medicine: it increases the levels of protein, sodium, fat, and free amino acids, while presenting higher levels of immunological factors.
- Helps prevent future diseases (onset in older ages) such as asthma, allergies, obesity, immune diseases such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, arteriosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
For the mother, exclusive breastfeeding for six months prolongs the duration of lactation-induced amenorrhea, preventing the onset of anemia after delivery , accelerates weight loss, and lowers the risk of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and postpartum depression.
In addition, breastfeeding the baby favors the contraction of the uterus after delivery and prevents postpartum hemorrhages, as well as is related to a lower risk of different types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
For a maternity leave of six months
The WHO, as well as other organizations such as UNICEF and pediatric associations, promote exclusive breastfeeding for six months, but the main obstacle for women to comply with it is returning to work after maternity leave, which currently it is four months. If it has not happened before, breastfeeding is suspended when the mother returns to work.
For this reason, to avoid abandoning breastfeeding at four months and to be able to extend it to six months with greater freedom, various sectors are asking to extend maternity leave to six months . It is the minimum time for mother and baby to enjoy breastfeeding and being together.
It would also be desirable for mothers who wish to continue giving their babies their milk once they have returned to work, either with adequate facilities and more flexible hours.
Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is best for the baby, so maternity leave should last the same time, at least. It is a necessary claim designed for the benefit of children, who are what matters most to us.
In Babies and more | ‘Breast milk, a miracle elixir’: a scientific documentary that looks at the surprising benefits of breast milk, Breastfeeding beyond six months: these are the short and long term benefits for the health of the baby and the mother
