Breastfeeding your child can give the child better immunity and can save your life from cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds her child, or multiple children, the greater her chances of not having breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
In the 21st century, as women double up as co-contributors to the family income, they also feel pressured to take tough decisions once they start a family. Whether it is holding their job or sacrificing their family’s big moments, they are expected to do it without feeling guilty.
It’s even tougher for new mothers who wean off breastfeeding very quickly, and substitute it with formula milk, in order to return to work quickly. However, it is a good idea to listen to traditional wisdom, and give the child breastmilk for the first few months. After all, mother’s milk is sufficient for more than half a child’s nutritional needs.
Breastfeeding gives the child better immunity:
In India, it is a well-known fact that breastfeeding the baby can give the child a healthy start and better immunity. But, what is relatively less known is that breastfeeding also gives women a healthier life, by lowering their breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
The first milk, known as ‘colostrum’ is rich in antibodies, and boosts a baby’s immunity, while his/her own immune system is still developing. Researchers have been working on the findings for a while now, and have discovered that women who breastfeed for at least 6 months, lower their risk of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal cancer.
It protects them against ovarian and uterine cancer too. The good news is that even the child is protected against certain cancers, because of being breastfed. It also reduces a child’s likelihood of being obese in the later years, which can be one of causes for certain types of cancers. Since lactating mothers experience hormonal changes, their menstrual cycle is delayed and they release
lesser oestrogen, which tends to promote the growth of these cells. During this time, they also shed breast tissue, which removes cells with potential DNA damage.
Similarly, when a mother is feeding her baby mother’s milk, she is not ovulating. The lesser she ovulates, the lesser the exposure to oestrogen and abnormal cells that could trigger ovarian cancer.
Statistics and findings say what mothers and grandmothers have always recommended – to breastfeed the child exclusively, for at least 6 months to improve the child’s health, as well yours. This means the child is not given any other kind of liquids or formula milk apart from mother’s milk. The longer you do it, the more you are protected.
Breastfeeding can save from cancer
Many women continue to breastfeed their babies for up to a year or so. After the first few months of just mother’s milk, you can consult your paediatrician and slowly start feeding the baby semi-solids like boiled potatoes, ‘khichdi’, fruit pulp or boiled vegetables which are mashed. The longer a woman breastfeeds her child, or multiple children, the greater her chances of not having breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
Despite the various benefits, many new moms find breastfeeding a challenge. Though women are often taught to believe that it is the most natural thing in the world, each mother’s experience of feeding her baby can be different and unique. A new mother can always reach out to her gynaecologist or seek the help of a lactation consultant, who can help her initiate into the process.
If a new mother has to return to work after a couple of weeks, she can check the policies of her workplace, and opt for ‘work-from-home’ for as long as possible. If the workplace is within a kilometre or two’s radius, she can also head home for short breaks to feed her baby. In case that is not an easy option, breastfeeding the baby whenever you are home is the next best alternative.
Some organisations go out of their way to accommodate nursing mothers, and have designated spaces for the same. This encourages a work culture that embraces change with grace. The most important thing while nursing your baby is to enjoy this phase of motherhood, while giving yourself sufficient rest and nutritious food. Focus on your mental and emotional well-being, and do things that spark joy. Nearly all illnesses are psychosomatic i.e triggered by the mind and emotions. The more mindful you are of your thoughts, the healthier you can expect to be.
Dr. Garima Jain
Sr. Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrics
Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru
