For something so natural and beneficial, it’s hard to believe that less than 40% of infants below six months of age are exclusively breastfed globally. This, according to the World Health Organisation is a trend that needs to change, especially when one of the major breastfeeding benefits is the capability of preventing 800,000 infant deaths every year. Breastfeeding remains the best source of nourishment for infants and the benefits not only accrue to the baby but to mothers as well.

Although it keeps the baby fed, infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk that protect the baby from various childhood illnesses. In addition, infant formulas do not provide the long-term benefits that breastfeeding offers for both mother and child.

We believe that with adequate education, more mothers will be more inclined to take breastfeeding seriously. The following information will help:

According to the WHO, breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth. Mothers are also encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life. After that, other foods can be introduced to complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more.

While breastfeeding nourishes babies by giving them all the nutrients they need for healthy development, it also provides them with antibodies. These antibodies protect infants from common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia which are the two major causes of infant mortality worldwide.

As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding also benefits mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with a natural method of birth control – 98% protection in the first 6 months after birth. That way, babies are spaced, with enough room to grow and develop properly.

Breastfeeding benefits als0 includes reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, according to the WHO. It also reduces the risk of type II diabetes and postpartum depression.

The benefits of breastfeeding don’t end after infancy as they contribute to a lifetime of good health. People who were adequately breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. In addition, they are less likely to have type-II diabetes and also perform better on IQ tests.