Researchers found that three specific types of antibodies are present in breast milk and promote peace between the immune system and common gut-dwelling bacteria by putting the damper on inflammatory responses. The top researcher said: “This study provides real evidence that breast milk is important for a newborn’s health. Breastfeeding helps to instruct the newborn’s immune system on how to appropriately respond to non-pathogenic bacteria, many of which may reside in the gut for a lifetime.” (Cell, May 5, 2016)
Six months of exclusive breastfeeding will save lives. For every 1000 births, 128 Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday. Breastfeeding can reduce child mortality by 12%. (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre training session, May 2016)
Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in developed countries. However, the etiology of KD is not known. The researchers observed protective effects of breastfeeding on the development of KD during the period from 6 to 30 months of age in a nationwide, population-based, longitudinal survey in Japan, the country in which KD is most common. (Journal of Pediatrics, June 2016)
Babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months are 56% less likely to have conduct disorders by ages 7-11 compared to those infants exclusively breastfed for less than 1 month. (PLOS Medicine, June 21, 2016)
Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality. It is responsible for about 30%-50% of the total neonatal deaths in developing countries. It is estimated that up to 20% of neonates develop sepsis which is largely preventable by the early initiation of breastfeeding. Infant deaths can be reduced by 22% by initiating breastfeeding within one hour after childbirth. (International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research, June 2016)
Sheila Kippley