Breastfeeding is not only the best food for the baby. Its benefits transcend the nutritional to become a shield against infections, allergies, metabolism regulator, among many other benefits.
For all these properties, both for children and for mothers, according to a study published by the British magazine The Lancet, breastfeeding could prevent 800 thousand child deaths and more than 20 thousand deaths from breast cancer.
While the data in the report shows that almost 80% of newborns receive breast milk, exclusive breastfeeding rates are well below the WHO objective that by 2025 half of all children in the world under Six months be breastfed. Women in poorer countries tend to breastfeed for longer than those in higher-income countries.
One in five children living in developed countries are breastfed up to 12 months, while only one in three in middle and low income countries feed on breast milk during the first six months of life.
In Babies and more The 'aguachirri' produced by women in their breasts from 6-12 months provides more energy than cow's milkBecause of the multiple benefits it has to avoid diseases and increase the defenses in the little ones, Breastfeeding is a global priority to prevent the deaths of thousands of children. As the study authors say, it has been underestimated as a crucial need for the population's health.
It is also an economic priority. Not breastfeeding creates an important burden on the world economy. If breastfeeding rates increased, a lot of money would be saved in healthcare. Experts estimate that promoting breastfeeding for babies with less than six months to 90% in the United States, China and Brazil, and 45% in the United Kingdom, would reduce costs for the treatment of common childhood diseases, such as pneumonia, diarrhea and asthma.
In Babies and more Why breastfeeding is advised up to two years or moreAlso benefits for mothers
Breastfeeding can also protect against diabetes and obesity in the future, while for mothers it can help with birth spacing, protect against breast cancer and reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
It is believed that 22 thousand deaths from breast cancer could be avoided if the WHO recommendation to breastfeed up to two years of age in low- and middle-income countries and up to 12 months in higher-income countries was followed.
In Babies and more Breastfeeding beyond six months: these are the short and long term benefits for the health of the baby and the mother
