Breastfeeding: The First Step to Life Long Health

Breastfeeding is one of the best things that only mothers can do for their babies. The breastfeeding survey, conducted regularly since 1998 by the Family Health Service of the Department of Health, showed that the ever breastfeeding rate (proportion of babies who had been breastfed) has increased from 50% for babies born in 1997 to 77% for babies born in 2010. The exclusive breastfeeding rate (no infant formula milk or complementary food) for babies 4-6 months old increased from 6% to 14.8% for the same cohort of babies.

In fact, breastfeeding is an important health choice that will confer great health benefits to both babies and mothers, as well as the community.

World Health Organization's Recommendation

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

Benefits to the baby

 
  • Breastmilk is the perfect food for the baby. It contains all the nutrients that meet the baby's needs for the first 6 months of life, and continues to provide nutritional and psychological benefits for the baby beyond 6 months. Breastmilk contains special enzymes to optimally digest and absorb the nutrients in it, helping the baby to grow strong and healthy.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of a number of common childhood diseases. Research shows that breastmilk confers a host of immunological benefits to the baby, and lowers the chance of having infections and chronic diseases such as ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, childhood diabetes, etc. Breastmilk also confers some protection against allergies, such as eczema, respiratory wheeze, asthma, etc. and prevents intolerance and allergy to cow's milk protein. Breastfed children have a better antibody response to vaccines, which improves vaccine effectiveness.
  • Breastfeeding also confers other long-term health benefits to the baby. Studies show that breastmilk has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to brain and retinal development in young children. Studies also show that pre-term babies fed on breastmilk tend to have a higher IQ than formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies are not likely to be overweight, since breastfeeding control the required amount of intake (demand feeding), and babies get exactly the right amount of calories for their needs.
  • Breastmilk is the safest and most hygienic food. It can avoid the risk of contamination and bacterial infection caused by improper preparation of formula milk. In addition, breastfeeding can prevent illness due to improper dilution or use of unsuitable formula.
  • Skin-to-skin contact during nursing can enhance bonding and increase the baby's sense of security.
 

Benefits to the mother

 
  • Breastfeeding enhances skin-to-skin contact, which helps to create a special bonding between the mother and baby, and increases the mother's sense of satisfaction and self-esteem.
  • Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its regular size more quickly and reduces the amount of blood loss after delivery, so as to prevent anaemia.
  • Breastfeeding allows mothers to lose weight and return to their pre-pregnant figures faster.
  • Frequent breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, making it less likely for a nursing mother to get pregnant.
  • Breastmilk is instantly available at any time as the best nourishment for the baby which provides convenience, as well as saves time and money.
  • Breastfeeding, especially over a longer period of time, may reduce the risks of ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancers, and may help to maintain strong healthy bones in older age.
 

Benefits to the community

 
  • Breastfeeding reduces pollution, and saves energy and fuels which are used in preparing formula milk.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the burden on our landfills since there is no wastage of bottles and teats.
  • Breastfeeding helps to reduce health care costs because of less illness and disease in the community.
  • Working mothers who continue to breastfeed are generally happier and more productive at work.
 

For any doubt or trouble encountered in breastfeeding, ask for help right away. Professional help and advice can be obtained from a nearby Maternal and Child Health Centre or the Family Health Service Breastfeeding Hotline at 2961 8868. For more information about breastfeeding, child health and maternal health, please visit the website of the Family Health Service at http://www.fhs.gov.hk.