Debosmita Ghosh • 07 Aug 2024
World Breastfeeding Week: Know How Longer Duration Of Breastfeeding Is Linked To Health Benefits Later In Life
Here's How Prolonged Breastfeeding Benefits The Child Later In Life
World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from August 1 to August 7. The week aims to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. Breastmilk is known to have all the essential nutrients that are required for the healthy growth of babies. WHO also says that breastmilk can have long-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.
Experts recommend that an infant should be breast exclusively for 6 months, then introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding your child for upto 2 years of age. 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).
When you breastfeed your child for an extended period of time, it can benefit the health of the baby in several ways. Speaking to Times Now, Dr Afshan Maniyar, MBBS, MS OBS & GYN, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowire explained how breastfeeding for extended periods benefits the child.
Breastfeeding for extended periods has been linked to various benefits for cognitive development and intelligence in children.
- Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk contains essential fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are crucial for brain development.
- Immunity and Health: Breastfeeding enhances the immune system, reducing the incidence of infections and illnesses. Healthy children tend to have better cognitive outcomes.
- Bonding and Emotional Development: Extended breastfeeding promotes a strong mother-child bond, which can contribute to emotional security and cognitive growth through positive interactions.
- Enhanced IQ: Some studies suggest that children who are breastfed longer may have higher IQ scores compared to those who are formula-fed, possibly due to the unique nutrients found in breast milk.
- Long-term Academic Performance: Research indicates that extended breastfeeding is associated with better performance in school, reflecting on overall intelligence and cognitive functioning. Overall, while breastfeeding is just one-factor influencing cognitive development, it plays a significant role in the early stages of a child’s life.
Dr Maniyar added, “Prolonged breastfeeding has several positive long-term health outcomes, including a potential reduction in the risk of diabetes later in life.”
Blood Sugar Regulation
Breastfeeding helps in the development of better insulin sensitivity in infants. This may lead to improved blood sugar regulation as they grow.
Lower Obesity Risk
Extended breastfeeding can contribute to a lower risk of obesity. Since obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce susceptibility to the disease.
Nutritional Profile
Breast milk contains beneficial hormones, growth factors, and nutrients that support metabolic health. These components may aid in the proper development of the body’s metabolic processes.
Gut Microbiome Development
Breastfeeding promotes the growth of a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to better metabolic health. A balanced microbiome can influence insulin sensitivity and the body’s overall metabolism.
Dr Maniyar said that children who are breastfed for extended periods may be more likely to adopt healthier dietary and lifestyle habits later in life, which can further decrease the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes. “Overall, prolonged breastfeeding supports both immediate and long-term health, promoting a robust metabolic profile that can help reduce the risk of diabetes in adulthood.”
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.