Breastfeeding Week 2023: EfshariBari to Breastfeed - a Smart Investment

How does breastfeeding improve the health of mothers and babies while saving money and protecting the environment? New data was published before Breastfeeding Week 2023.

Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in Israel as well as globally every year on the first week of August.
This is an excellent opportunity to discuss breastfeeding and explore its impact on babies and mothers.

EfshariBari to Breastfeed: a Smart Investment is the subject that healthcare professionals have chosen this year.

Sometimes breastfeeding can be challenging, especially with the busy schedule many women manage today. While many women intend to breastfeed their babies, there is a variety of reasons why this may not always be possible.
Breastfeeding is a journey that requires some effort, but the long-term rewards are worth it.
Therefore, it is important to get assistance and guidance from Tipat Halav. Tipat Halav nurses provide support and information to women who are struggling to breastfeed through a call center: *5400, extension 9.

Breastfeeding provides personalized nutrition, tailored to individual needs

From the very first drop, breast milk suits the baby. Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is a substance that is abundant in the proteins and antibodies that are essential for the newborn.

The best nutritious source for infants is breast milk. It has a special blend of nutrients that are suitable for the baby's specific requirements based at different ages. These elements help the growth of a robust immune system, offer optimum nutrition, and alter and evolve as the infant grows. They also promote the maturity of the digestive system and the development of the brain.

Breastfeeding strengthens the immune system

Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from a variety of illnesses, including inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, infections of the digestive system, ear infections, and even some allergies.
Studies show that breastfed babies (exclusive breastfeeding) are exposed to a reduced risk of asthma and other allergic conditions. This is because maternal milk contains unique compounds that strengthen the baby's immune system.

Breastfeeding boosts the cognitive development

The advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond the physical apects. Studies demonstrate a positive correlation between breastfeeding and improved cognitive development. The unique composition of maternal milk contains long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and certain nutrients that promote optimal brain and neurological development. Studies show that breastfeeding has a positive impact on a baby’s cognitive development.

Breastfeeding diminishes the risk of obesity and overweight

In accordance with 113 out of 113 studies, breastfed babies had a decreased chance of being obese or overweight throughout their lives in comparison to infants who were fed in other ways.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding helps speed up postpartum recovery by contracting the uterus and reducing bleeding. Studies show that breastfeeding can diminish the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as the risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Breastfeeding is cost-effective for the family

Breastfeeding can help maintain the family’s economic strength and is cost-effective. Maternal milk is a natural and rejuvenating source that is readily available and free. There is no need to buy bottles, baby formula, or other equipment. Furthermore, there is no need to heat up or clean bottles; therefore, it is possible to save electricity and water.

Breastfeeding helps the environment

Breastfeeding is consistent with environmental protection. It reduces the amount of infant formula's tin and plastic packaging that is discarded after use, as well as the amount of energy required for both its production and preservation. Additionally, it reduces the amount of air pollution generated during the delivery of the infant formula to the clients' houses.

The Ministry of Health recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and then continue to be breastfed while being introduced to complementary foods that are suitable and healthy until they are two years old, or even older. This is because of the unique contribution of maternal milk and breastfeeding to the growth, health, and development of infants and children, as well as the health of women.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is incredibly beneficial for both babies and mothers. The unique composition of breast milk provides babies with nutrients and immunity, contribute to their cognitive development and emotional connection, and improve maternal health significantly. Through breastfeeding, we empower our children and provide them with a healthier start in life.

A national survey conducted between 2019 and 2020 by the Israeli Center for Disease Control (ICDC), in cooperation with the Nutrition Division and the Mother, Child, and Adolescent Department in the Ministry of Health found that 92% of babies were breastfed at some point.

Skilled staff – at your disposal! In Israel, the healthcare system offers a trained team that waits for you in the maternity wards and later in the family health centers and the community.
It is important to arrive at a family health center for a follow-up appointment within a week or two and continue breastfeeding support.

Hotline

Tiponet:

A group of parents that deals with various topics, including meetings on breastfeeding.
For the list of meetings and registration, you are invited to enter the link: tiponet.org.il

The hotline is staffed by nurses of the Ministry of Health family health centers, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, and nutritionists for preschoolers.
Service is available in the following languages: English, Arabic, Russian, Amharic and French.
The treatment provided to families at these centers is based on the clinical information found in the medical records.

The center's operating hours: Sunday 4pm to 9pm, Friday 8am to 1pm.
Contact the hotline: via the Ministry of Health Hotline *5400 extension 9

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