HMC lactation specialist says breastfeeding reduces risk of infections and rates of hospitalization

Breastfeeding offers important health benefits for mothers and babies and according to Al Khor Hospital’s (AKH) Breastfeeding Specialist and Lactation Consultant, Dr. Mohamed Ilyas Khan, exclusive breastfeeding throughout a baby's first year, and beyond, can help safeguard against common childhood infections and reduce rates of admission to hospital for treatment of infections.

Dr. Khan added that World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), held during the first week of August, is an opportune time to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been shown to be the single most effective way to prevent infant death; it plays a major role in a child’s health and development and significantly benefits the health of mothers. The theme for this year’s WBW is ‘Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal - For Life!’

Dr. Khan stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, adding that both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that breastfeeding beyond the first year provides significant health and development benefits for the child and mother. “In the second year of life children begin to come into contact with each other, putting them at risk of acquiring infections. This is also a period when most babies really start exploring their environment and putting everything into their mouth, increasing the risk of infection.”

Dr. Khan maintained that children who are adequately breastfed beyond their first birthday are less likely to acquire infections, adding that those who do tend to recover faster than children who are not breastfed. “Children who are breastfed are less likely to become ill when exposed to common childhood infections. They are also likely to develop a permanent immunity against those infections. Many people do not realize that the benefits of breast milk continue beyond the first year in terms of providing the same concentration of protective immunity present during the first year.”

Dr. Khan notes that breastfeeding should be continued for as long as mutually desired by mother and child, adding that AKH’s Breastfeeding Management and Resource Center offers a number of consultation services for mothers and children, including help developing strategies for weaning. “When a mother decides to stop breastfeeding we help her stop gradually to ensure the process is smooth and is a good experience for her and her child.”

“It may be important to mention that a mother may continue to have some milk in her breasts for many months after she has weaned her baby. It is not advisable to use drugs for drying up breast milk because of their adverse side effects,” said Dr. Khan. “We also encourage mothers to ensure they maintain adequate body contact with their child during the weaning period and also to increase the number of meals the child is served per day. Increasing the interval between breastfeeds is also recommended.”

Dr. Khan said it is important not to rush the weaning process, slowly tapering off how long and how often you breastfeed each day over the course of weeks or months. He maintained that a gradual approach to weaning can help both mother and child in making a smooth transition to a bottle or cup. “It is better to stop the night breastfeeding last if your child is resisting the idea of giving up feeding at bedtime,” added Dr. Khan.