Debosmita Ghosh • 05 Aug 2024
World Breastfeeding Week 2024: Why Is It Important To Breastfeed Exclusively During The First Six Months?
Important To Breastfeed Exclusively During The First Six Months
World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from August 1 to August 7. The week aims to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. Breastmilk is known to have all the essential nutrients that are required for the healthy growth of babies. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
Breastmilk may have longer-term health benefits like reducing the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers later in life, says WHO. Breastmilk protects newborns from getting sick and also helps protect them throughout their infancy and childhood. It is particularly effective against infectious diseases because it strengthens the immune system by directly transferring antibodies from the mother. Breastfeeding is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers.
It is important that you exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, then introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding your child for upto 2 years of age. But first, let’s understand what exclusive breastfeeding is.
Exclusive breastfeeding means no other food or drink, not even water, except breastmilk for the first 6 months of life, with the exception of rehydration solution (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines), according to WHO. However, exclusive breastfeeding is not the same as predominant breastfeeding.
It is recommended that an infant be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.
Predominant breastfeeding is when the infant’s predominant source of nourishment has been breastmilk. Along with breastmilk, the infant might also consume liquids which include water and water-based drinks, fruit juice, ritual fluids and ORS, drops or syrups.
Here, take a look at the optimal duration of breastfeeding, according to WHO and UNICEF.
- Initiate breastfeeding within 1 hour of the birth.
- Exclusively breastfeed your infants for the first 6 months of their life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
- Unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production.
- If you are severely ill or suffer from complications that prevent you from caring for your infant or continuing direct breastfeeding, express milk to safely provide breastmilk to your infant.
- If you are too unwell to breastfeed or express breastmilk, you can explore the possibility of relactation which is restarting breastfeeding after a gap, wet nursing wherein another woman breastfeeds or cares for your child or use donor human milk.
Here, take a look at how exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months benefits your baby.
When you breastfeed your baby, it helps to reduce your baby’s risk of certain diseases and helps build a strong immune system. Breastfeeding helps to reduce the risk of the following conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Diarrhoea, vomiting and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
- Respiratory infections like pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough
- Ear infections
- Bacterial meningitis
- Asthma
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infant mortality
- Childhood obesity
- Eczema
- Type 2 diabetes later in life
- Leukaemia (in childhood)
- Cavities and future orthodontic problems for babies less than one year of age
- Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Studies show that breastfed infants have a lower rate of hospitalization and tend to be in better health.
What are the components of breast milk?
Breast milk has several important components that your baby needs. Here, take a look at them.
- Carbohydrates which support a healthy balance of bacteria in your baby’s stomach.
- Fats that help your baby’s brain and nervous system develop.
- Proteins that help to protect your baby from infections.
- Vitamins that support your baby’s growth.
- White blood cells that help fight infection.
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