Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continuing even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age 1 year or until both mom and baby agree to call it quits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old or longer because the benefits continue that long. These agencies recommend starting as early as one hour after birth for the biggest benefits.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are a holistic one. Here, I examine the scientific impact of breastfeeding in this article.
Breastfeeding, Mum
For the mother, a study by Dieterich et al.(2013) found that breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of heart disease, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It also helps to lose the weight you gained while you were pregnant, though it doesn’t work for all.
A more recent study by Babic et al.(2020) also confirmed that those who breastfeed are more likely not to develop cancer and several diseases.
Thompson et al.(2017) study cements that when you breastfeed, the breast milk could fend off colds, the flu, and other infections while reducing your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Jarlenski et al.(2014) study found that when you breastfeed your baby, it helps to burn more calories, and after 3 months of lactation, you will see an increase in fat burning compared to those who do not breastfeed their babies.
Reduces Depression
Hamdan A. Tamim(2012) study found that those who breastfeedare less likely to develop postpartum depression, compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed.
Those who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are also more likely to have trouble breastfeeding and do so for a shorter duration
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth.
The longer you breastfeed, the more you are free from diseases
Two studies (Schwarz et al. 2010; Nguyen et al. 2019) made us understand that the longer you breastfeed, the lower you reduceyour risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Hence, women who breastfeed have a lower risk for:
• high blood pressure
• arthritis
• high blood fats
• heart disease
• type 2 diabetes
