Does Breast Milk Protect Against Diseases?

Breast Milk Reduces Asthma Risk

A study by scientists has found that breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing asthma in preschool children. In addition, it was stated that breastfed children are more intelligent and their mathematical intelligence improves. Breast milk, a miraculous food, is vital for infant survival and early childhood development. Pediatrics, Newborn Specialist Prof. Dr. Filiz Bakar stated that early initiation of breastfeeding and introducing newborn babies to the mother's breast in the first hour of life are critical for the survival of the newborn and the long-term maintenance of breastfeeding.

Breast Milk Protects From Diseases

Prof. Dr. Bakar said, “UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, starting within an hour after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months without the need for any other food promotes sensory and cognitive development and protects infants against infectious and chronic diseases. After the 6th month, it is recommended to start appropriate complementary foods and continue breastfeeding until at least 2 years of age.”

Benefits of Breast Milk for Baby Microbiome  

Stating that in a study conducted by scientists, breast milk regulates the microbiome of the baby during the first year of life, thus reducing the risk of developing asthma in preschool childhood, Prof. Dr. Bakar explained this study as follows: “Microbiome refers to the sum of all microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses living in our bodies and their genetic materials. Continuing breastfeeding with breast milk for more than 3 months has been shown to support microbiome formation in the digestive system, nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract of the baby. Discontinuation of breastfeeding earlier than 3 months and introduction of infant formula leads to changes in the informational and functional microbiome and increases the risk of asthma.”

Breastfed Children Are Smarter

Prof. Dr. Bakar pointed out that another worldwide study showed that babies who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday, compared to babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Prof. Dr. Bakar said, “There is also evidence that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests with an IQ increase of 3 to 4 points, are less likely to be obese or overweight, and have a reduced risk of diabetes in later life.”

The Miraculous Food Breast Milk

Underlining that breast milk is a miraculous food and has many benefits from strengthening the immune system to intelligence development, Prof. Dr. Bakar listed the benefits of breast milk as follows:

• Breastfeeding is often referred to as a baby's first vaccine. Because it provides babies with all the essential nutrients they need in the first months of their lives. It protects them from common infectious diseases and strengthens their immune system.
• Each mother's milk has the optimal composition for her baby. Always ready, clean and at the right temperature.
• It is easy to digest and babies who receive breast milk have less abdominal pain, gas, diaper rash and constipation.
• Breast milk positively affects the development of both mental and emotional intelligence of the baby.
• During breastfeeding, it accelerates the baby's brain function, improves math ability, reduces body stress and pain.
• The substances contained in breast milk soothe and relax the baby, reduce pain, and help the baby fall asleep more quickly.

Breastfeeding Rates Still Low

Pointing out that breastfeeding is not at an adequate level despite all these proven positive effects of breast milk, Prof. Dr. Bakar said, “According to the results of the Turkey Population Health Survey 2018, 71.3 percent of newborn babies are breastfed within the first 1 hour after birth, but 41.7 percent of newborns are given liquids or infant formulas other than breast milk in the first 3 days of life. According to this report, the proportion of babies fed exclusively with breast milk in the first 6 months of life is 40.7 percent.”