Child Development and Public Health

Breastfeeding

“A lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life contributes to over a million avoidable child deaths each year.” (WHO, 2011)

The topic of breastfeeding interests me because it is a matter of advocacy on behalf of infants and children. As a child advocate, I know the benefits of breastfeeding to the healthy development of the child both physically and emotionally. Colostrum, the yellowish sticky milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is the ideal food for newborns and infants. Breast milk gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses-such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. In addition, breastfeeding contributes to the infant’s healthy emotional development. The closeness of the breastfeeding experience creates a very strong emotional bond between mother and child. A study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, found the “breastfeeding mothers surveyed showed greater responses to their infant’s cry in brain regions related to care giving behavior and empathy than mothers who relied upon formula as the baby’s main food source.”

While the World Health Organization, WHO, recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of their lives, globally however, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are. To further investigate the topic of breastfeeding worldwide, I chose Malaysia in the region of Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, only 14.5% of babies were exclusively breastfed below six months in 2006. In addition, only 19.3% of babies were exclusively breastfed below four months. Dr. Safurah, from the Ministry of Health, blames cultural beliefs, myths and ignorance for the country’s poor breastfeeding performance.

“The myth that breastfed babies need water in addition to breast milk is wide spread in the country. Lack of knowledge and skill of mothers on when to start complementary food and how to maintain breastfeeding are other prohibited factors,” Explains Dr. Safurah. Other factors according to Dr. Safurah are the lack of benefits and facilities to promote and facilitate breastfeeding practices amongst women who also make up some half of the country’s working population. These include the absences of longer maternity leaves, the lack of flexible working hours and missing childcare centers at work places.

As a mother, I have always believed that breastfeeding is the perfect source of nourishment for my children. After my research, my belief is further reinforced and my passion to advocate for breastfeeding is reignited. Mothers need to consistently be reminded of the great benefits of breastfeeding, but also the need to be supported as breastfeeding has to be learned and many women encounter difficulties at the beginning which may deter them from continuing.