Breast milk – The golden source of nutrition for newborns.

Dr. Ho Thanh Dam, Head of the Health Communication and Education Department at the Ca Mau Provincial Center for Disease Control, stated: "Breast milk is the ideal and most complete food source for newborns, providing them with all the necessary fats, proteins, sugars, water, antibodies, and minerals for growth and development. Besides providing benefits for physical health and strengthening the immune system, breastfeeding is a crucial factor in making children 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 Ca Mau Provincial Health Department has intensified its efforts to widely disseminate information to the community about the importance of breastfeeding through various direct and indirect communication methods. This aims to strongly influence pregnant women and mothers with young children about the importance of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing breastfeeding until 24 months of age.

Healthcare workers advise and guide mothers on how to properly practice NCBSM (National Network of Mothers and Children).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, a nutrition program officer at the Tan Thanh Ward Health Center in Ca Mau province, said: "To support mothers with young children in effectively implementing the Breastfeeding Program, the health station regularly disseminates information about the benefits of breast milk for the physical and mental development of both mother and baby, and guides them on the correct positions for breastfeeding... on vaccination days."

In addition, incorporating breastfeeding into local group meetings and strengthening home visits by collaborators to families with young children... This shows that not only mothers but also family members have a high level of support for breastfeeding.

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

When a baby latches onto the breast correctly, the mother's milk supply will increase.

The community joins hands for a healthy generation.

Breast milk is not only the most perfect source of nutrition for infants and young children, but it is also the "first vaccine" that helps boost immunity and prevent diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while also supporting postpartum recovery and strengthening the mother-child bond. More importantly, breast milk is a natural food, always readily available, requiring no packaging, preservation, or transportation like formula, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and saving water resources.

According to global studies, if each mother with a child under 6 months old exclusively breastfeeds for an additional month, the positive environmental impact is equivalent to planting an additional 300,000 trees. Meanwhile, the production of formula milk generates millions of tons of CO₂ annually and consumes billions of cubic meters of water, posing a significant environmental challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Therefore, breastfeeding is not just the mother's responsibility, but also a shared responsibility of the entire family and community. Sympathetic glances and polite gestures when a mother is seen breastfeeding in public will help her feel more confident and comfortable. When the community understands and supports each other, this journey becomes easier.

Huyen Tran

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