Ads distort the truth. And so in the mid 20th
century the ads promoted the myth that 'formula' feeds were better for the
babies than mother's breast milk. Sustained research finally broke the myth and
the truth re-emerged: mother's milk is the best for the baby.
Breast milk is easily digested, has a near-perfect mix of vitamins,
protein and fat that help baby grow and gain the right amount of
weight, has antibodies that fight off viruses and bacteria, and reduce
baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. "Babies who are breastfed
exclusively for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer infections, respiratory illnesses,
and bouts of diarrhoea." And fewer visits to
hospital and to doctor.
Research suggests that breastfed babies have higher IQ scores
in later childhood, have reduced risk
of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and of diabetes, obesity, and
certain cancers.
For the mother, breastfeeding burns extra calories and helps
her lose pregnancy weight faster; releases the hormone oxytocin which helps the
uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine
bleeding after birth; and lowers the
risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and perhaps of osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding
is also A key to Sustainable Development. That is the theme of the World Breastfeeding Week 2016. "Breastfeeding is not only the
cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is also the foundation of a
country’s development" - UNICEF and WBW message.
Among the several ways in which
breastfeeding contributes to sustainable development, a few are: breastfeeding
is natural and low-cost, is affordable, and therefore contributes to poverty
reduction; it entails less energy when compared to formula production
industries; it reduces the need for water, firewood and fossil fuels in the
home; it is ecological compared to formula feeding which implies dairy farming
that often puts pressure on ecology; it provides all the water a baby needs,
even in hot weather, whereas formula
feeding requires access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation; it entails less
waste compared to formula feeding: industrial formula production and
distribution lead to waste that pollutes the seas and affects marine life.
So promote breastfeeding. It is good for
the baby, for the mother and for sustainable development.
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