Breastfeeding: Why Does It Matter for Mothers and Babies?

Breastfeeding: Why Does It Matter for Mothers and Babies?

Did you know that people in ancient Greece believed that the breast milk of a Greek goddess had special powers such as immortality? According to Greek mythology, Hera’s breast milk made Hercules invincible and created the Milky Way. Fast forward to the present — breast milk may not have created the Milky Way, but research confirms it has remarkable powers. Breast milk is packed with essential nutrients, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies, uniquely created for the baby’s needs.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from August 1–7 every year, coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). According to UNICEF, only 44% of all newborns worldwide are breastfed during the first five months of their lives. In India, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding has increased from 46.4% to 54.9% (National Family Health Survey) — but many false beliefs and myths persist.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

A study by the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer found that every 12 months a woman breastfed, her risk for breast cancer decreased by 4.3%. Australian researchers observed that women who breastfed for more than 13 months were 63% less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival. For babies, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of:

• Asthma

• Obesity

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Severe Lower Respiratory Disease

• Ear Infections

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

• Gastrointestinal Infections

Breast milk consists of about 87% water (keeping the infant hydrated), 7% lactose (providing energy), 4% fats (lipids), and 2% proteins and other bioactive components. It also strengthens the child’s immune system.

How to Protect, Promote, and Support Breastfeeding

Healthcare professionals — counsellors, nurses, and doctors — have a significant role in helping mothers and babies breastfeed. Fathers also play an important role in supporting early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. Women must receive accurate information, proper counselling, and support at home, in medical facilities, and at work to feel both physically and mentally comfortable while breastfeeding.