Breast milk – The golden source of nutrition for newborns

Dr. Ho Thanh Dam, Head of the Department of Communication - Health Education , Center for Disease Control of Ca Mau province, said: "Breast milk is the most ideal and complete source of food for infants, providing them with enough fat, protein, sugar, water, antibodies and minerals necessary for growth and development. In addition to bringing physical health benefits and strengthening the immune system for children, breastfeeding is an important factor in helping children become smarter, reducing the risk of many diseases for mothers, strengthening the mother-child bond and contributing to building a happy and sustainable family."

Spread the message of breastfeeding

In recent times, the Health sector of Ca Mau province has promoted widespread communication to the community about the importance of breastfeeding through many direct and indirect forms of communication to strongly impact pregnant women, mothers with young children... on the importance of early breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding until 24 months of age.

Medical staff advise and guide mothers to practice proper breastfeeding.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, officer in charge of the nutrition program, Tan Thanh Ward Medical Center, Ca Mau province, said: "In order to support mothers with young children to practice breastfeeding well, the Station regularly promotes the benefits of breast milk for the physical and mental development of both mother and baby, and guides the correct positions when breastfeeding... on vaccination days."

In addition, integrating into local group meetings and increasing the work of collaborators visiting families with young children... This shows that not only mothers but also relatives in the family agree with breastfeeding quite highly.

Ms. Phan Thi Thuy Ngan, residing in Hamlet 9, Tan Thanh Ward, Ca Mau Province, is currently breastfeeding, sharing: "Through the process of raising my children as well as learning information from doctors and the media about breast milk, I have realized that breast milk is very good for my children. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect children from infectious diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, otitis media and other infections, and contains important nutrients for children's brain development. In addition, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and osteoporosis."

If the baby latches on properly, the mother will produce more milk.

Community joins hands for a healthy generation

Breast milk is not only the most perfect source of nutrition for infants and young children, but also the “first vaccine” that helps children strengthen their immunity and prevent diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while supporting postpartum recovery and strengthening the mother-child bond. More importantly, breast milk is a natural food, always available, does not need to be packaged, preserved or transported like formula milk, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving water resources.

According to global studies, if every mother with a child under 6 months of age exclusively breastfed her child for an additional month, the positive environmental impact would be equivalent to planting 300,000 additional trees. Meanwhile, formula milk production generates millions of tonnes of CO₂ and consumes billions of cubic metres of water each year, posing a major environmental challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Therefore, breastfeeding is not only the responsibility of the mother, but also the responsibility of the whole family and the community. Sympathetic looks and polite gestures when seeing a mother breastfeeding in public will help mothers feel more confident and comfortable. When the community understands and supports each other, this journey will become easier.

Huyen Tran

Source: https://baocamau.vn/uu-tien-nuoi-con-bang-sua-me-a121281.html