Does breastfeeding protect against diseases?

The effect of breastfeeding on the child's health

Research has shown that breastfeeding strengthens the child's immune system, reduces the possibility of the child being admitted to the hospital, and increases his protection from many diseases, the most important of which are:

• Diarrhea, vomiting.
• Respiratory infections such as pneumonia, RSV, and whooping cough.
• Ear infections.
• Bacterial meningitis.
• Asthma.
• Childhood obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Eczema.
• Childhood leukemia.
• Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Tooth decay.
• Sudden infant death syndrome.

Nutritional benefits of breast milk

Child health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, whether through direct breastfeeding, if possible, or through expressed breast milk.

Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow, with a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Breast milk greatly enhances your baby's health because it is:

• Easy to digest for the intestines and stomach of the newborn.
• It contains antibodies, which protect against infections and enhance immunity.
• Breast milk formula contains the right amount of fat, sugar, protein, water, and vitamins for your baby's growth.
• Because it promotes healthy weight gain.
• Changeable to suit your child's needs as they grow.
• It contains ingredients that help soothe the baby naturally.
• Breast milk contains carbohydrates such as lactose that promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your baby's stomach.
• It also contains fats that are important for your child's brain growth and nervous system development.
• Breast milk also contains proteins that support the baby's protection from infections.
• Breast milk also contains white blood cells that help fight infections.

What is the effect of breastfeeding on the mother's health?

Reducing the risk of postpartum depression

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident from the first days. It has been shown that breastfeeding plays a vital role in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding has a positive effect on the mothers' mental health because it reduces the stress response.

Recovery after childbirth

The body produces the hormone oxytocin during breastfeeding, known as the happiness hormone. This hormone stimulates the uterus to contract after childbirth, speeds up its return to its normal size, and helps reduce vaginal bleeding after childbirth.

Promotes weight loss

The body burns more calories during breastfeeding, so it helps new mothers lose weight, especially if they commit to avoiding sweets and processed foods.

Enhances heart health

A scientific review of several medical studies published in the peer-reviewed journal issued by the American Heart Association showed that women who breastfeed their children are less likely to develop heart and cardiovascular diseases and less likely to have strokes than women who do not breastfeed.

The researchers who led this review reviewed eight medical studies conducted from 1986 to 2009 in China, Australia, Norway, Japan, and the United States, in addition to a study conducted in several countries.

The review included medical records of more than 1.25 million women, with an average age of 25 at birth. The review analyzed the relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of heart and arterial diseases and strokes.

The result of the scientific review was as follows:

• 82% of participants in medical studies breastfed their children.
• When comparing women who breastfed their children for at least a year with those who never breastfed their children, it was found that they were 11% less likely to develop heart and arterial diseases.
• After following up on the health status of women participating in medical studies after ten years, it became clear that women who breastfed their children were 14% less likely to develop heart and cardiovascular diseases, 12% less likely to develop strokes, and 17% less likely to die due to a heart or cardiovascular disease.

Diseases that breastfeeding helps prevent

• Breast cancer.
• Ovarian cancer.
• Endometrial cancer.
• Thyroid cancer.
• Osteoporosis.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Type 2 diabetes.

To sum up,

Women need to understand the importance of breastfeeding for their baby's health and their health as well. While the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and children are well known, women should be encouraged to breastfeed not only to improve their babies' health but also to improve their health. Increasing awareness about this aspect of breastfeeding may help women who are reluctant to breastfeed their babies and who prefer formula feeding. Experts consider this type of awareness to empower women and increase their strength, as once they practice breastfeeding, It enhances the health of their child and her health and reduces the risk of heart and arterial diseases.