World Breastfeeding week takes place annually from 1 August – 7 August and is celebrated by breastfeeding mothers and health professionals all over the world!
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 13% of the 10.6 million deaths of children under 5 years can be averted if mothers choose to breastfeed. Furthermore, if mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months they are 25 times less likely to suffer from acute infections such as diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis and urinary tract infection.
Breastfeeding allows mothers to provide the BEST source of nutrition for their baby. Breast milk contains the right mix of macro and micro nutrients and unlike formula contains human antibodies which protect them from the above mentioned infections.
WHY should you advocate for breastfeeding?
No matter how old or young you are, knowing the benefits of breastfeeding is important as YOU can make a difference by imparting your knowledge. Although it is ALWAYS a mother’s choice on how she chooses to feed her child, it is important that they have all the information in order to make an informed choice.
| Benefits of breastfeeding | |
| Benefits of breastfeeding for mother
Reduces bleeding after birth Reduces risk of breast & ovarian cancers Reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis Reduces risk of osteoporosis Child spacing Saves time Weight control Economical Bonding Psychological benefits
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Benefits of breastfeeding to infant
Complete nutrition for the first 6 months Protects the baby against illness/ infection May reduce risk of allergies May reduces risk of diabetes mellitus & cancer May decreases risk of severe jaundice Provides essential fats are provided which have been shown to be NB for brain development and cognition Analgesic effect Health benefits later in life (self-regulation of appetite) May result in higher IQ scores
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This year’s theme for breastfeeding week is Breastfeeding and Work Let’s Make it Work! Keep posted to this blog as I will sharing some tips for those mom’s who would like to continue to breastfeed their child but are worried about going back to work..
REMEMBER: Love Food. Eat Smart. Start life right, breastfeed. Love Life.
