Breastfeeding not only gives body’s resistance, helps children in comprehensive growth, fighting comprehensive development but also brings children maternal love. Because of these practical benefits of breastfeeding, doctors recommend absolute breastfeeding during the first 6 months and if possible until 24 months old of children.
Vietnam is in group of countries having the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Although most women are aware that breast milk is the best nutrition for infants, the number of children receiving breastfeeding until 24 months is still low, because the mothers must go back to work after maternity leave or other reasons. Labor Code extended the maternity leave from 4 to 6 months to facilitate breastfeeding in the first 6 months of children. But in fact, it is difficult to continue breastfeeding until 24 months.
Mothers should be given favorable conditions for breastfeeding to ensure that children develop well both physically and mentally.
In order to ensure the healthy growth of infants - future human resource of the country, Breastfeeding Week of this year was named "Women workers with Breastfeeding – Let’s create a friendly working environment to help female employees in maintaining breastfeeding”.
The week was to encourage communications of breastfeeding’s advantages. Department of Health also directed provincial Reproductive Health Care Center, Health Communicating Center to coordinate with agencies, units to enhance propaganda of breastfeeding’s advantages and ways to maintain breast milk for women going back to work after 6 months of maternity leave.
According to Bachelor Tran Thi Kim Thu, official of provincial Reproductive Health Care Center, breast milk is the best food for newborns, because of adequate and appropriate nutrition that cannot be substituted by other milks. A child receiving breastfeeding will grow up fast, both physically and intellectually. Breast milk also provides antibodies against diseases of diarrhea, respiratory system infection. Moreover, breastfeeding can prevent soon pregnant, diseases, conserve mother’s health.
“Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding is inexpensive in terms of money, time and very hygienic. With correct breastfeeding, there is no need for any additional food in the first 6 months of infants. This also helps strengthen the connection and love between mother and child ", said Ms. Thu.
Infants not receiving breastfeeding have no resistance, weak immune system, and easily catch diseases of digestive tract, respiratory system, malnutrition. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends absolute breastfeeding in the first 6 months of children. After 6 months, grinded fruits and vegetables should be used as supplements besides breast milk until 2 years old or more. Additionally, a newborn should be fed with breast milk within the first hour after birth; breastfeeding according to demand of the baby; and do not use bottle-feed and nipples for babies.
Reported by C.Ly – Translated by Ngoc Huynh
