Breastmilk is the best diet - but many mothers breastfeed too short

Extra portion of milk: Breastfeeding is considered the best nutrition for babies

Breastfeeding is considered to be the best nutrition for a baby, because in breast milk are in optimal composition all the nutrients that the child needs in the first few months of life. Unfortunately, many mothers do not breastfeed their offspring long enough.

Best nutrition for infants

Breastmilk is the natural food for infants. It contains all the nutrients a child needs in the first few months of life. The milk is "easy to digest, hygienically flawless and properly tempered," writes the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in a statement. Unfortunately, many mothers breastfeed their baby way too short.

Although breastfeeding is considered the best diet for infants, many mothers do not give their offspring their breasts long enough. (Image: juan_aunion / fotolia.com)

Health benefits for children and mothers

Scientific research has shown that breastfeeding is positive for the development of the child's immune system. In addition, breastfeeding, according to studies, protect against allergies and reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

It is especially important during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has a positive influence on the intestinal flora of babies and also helps to prevent diarrhea.

Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer, according to experts. In addition, a study has shown that breastfeeding protects mothers from cardiovascular disease in the long term.

However, although breastfeeding is so important, only about forty percent of babies are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of their lives.

"No country in the world meets the recommended standards for breastfeeding," writes the World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement.

Breastfeeding babies, especially during the first six months of life

"Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life," said the chief of the World Health Organization. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Breast milk is like the first vaccine for the child, it protects the baby from potentially fatal infections and gives him all the food it needs to survive and thrive."

Far too little is invested in breastfeeding worldwide.

In this country too, more needs to be done to make people aware of the importance of breastfeeding.

"The demand that more must be done in Germany for the health of women and families, especially in the first months of a child, the possibility to breastfeed," said Martina Klenk, President of the German Midwives Association, in a statement.

"And regardless of whether this happens publicly or in private space."

Unfortunately, women repeatedly report negative experiences after breastfeeding in public.

According to the association, a study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) shows that breastfeeding is all the more positively received by the public, the more it knows about the health benefits.

Breastfeeding women need to be valued

A social climate in which breastfeeding women feel valued and accepted is just as important for breastfeeding as individual, expert support, writes the BfR. Breastfeeding as normal is the goal.

But how quiet is Germany? The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has commissioned the "Healthy into Life" network and the National Breastfeeding Commission to carry out the project "Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly" (BBF) in cooperation with the University of Yale for Germany.

One expert commission is investigating, among other things, how quiet Germany is. One focus here is the analysis of how German media reports on breastfeeding and to what extent and via which channels celebrities use publicity to promote breastfeeding.

On the basis of the results, the Expert Commission proposes measures to make the social climate in Germany more tranquil. (Ad)