As Myanmar gears up to celebrate Nutrition Promotion Month and Breastfeeding Week this August, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to ensure the health and well-being of the country’s present and future generations. While we have made significant strides in improving healthcare and nutrition outcomes, there remains a vital aspect of early childhood development that demands our unwavering attention: the intersection of nutrition and breastfeeding.
The first 1,000 days (about 2 and a half years) of a child's life are of paramount importance, shaping their growth, cognitive development, and lifelong health. Proper nutrition during this period is essential for building a strong foundation that paves the way for optimal physical and mental development.
As we commemorate Nutrition Promotion Month, let us renew our commitment to nurturing healthy futures and focus on the role that breastfeeding plays in achieving this goal.
Breastfeeding, often referred to as the "cornerstone of child survival," is an unparalleled source of nutrition that provides infants with the perfect blend of nutrients necessary for their growth and development. It serves as nature's first immunization, bolstering a child's immune system against various diseases and infections.
Based on scientific evidence, the World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and introduction of appropriate nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. This guidance stands as a testament to the undeniable impact breastfeeding has on a child's overall well-being.
Beyond its physical benefits, breastfeeding also fosters a unique bond between mothers and their infants. It is a moment of connection, comfort, and emotional nourishment that lays the foundation for a secure attachment, which has profound implications for a child's social and emotional development. Furthermore, breastfeeding contributes to maternal health by reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, aiding post-pregnancy weight loss, and potentially lowering the risk of certain cancers.
As a long - term benefit, children and adolescents who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. Additionally, they perform better on intelligence tests and have higher school attendance. Breastfeeding is associated with higher income in adult life. Improving child development and reducing health costs results in economic gains for individual families as well as at the national level.
However, despite the well-established benefits of breastfeeding, global and national trends indicate that optimal breastfeeding practices are still far from being achieved. In Myanmar, we must confront the challenges that hinder widespread adoption of exclusive breastfeeding and work towards creating an enabling environment that supports mothers in their breastfeeding journey. This includes removing barriers such as misinformation, social norms, and workplace challenges that often discourage or prevent mothers from breastfeeding.
To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is needed. It is imperative that healthcare providers, policymakers, communities, and families join forces to prioritize and promote breastfeeding as a cornerstone of early childhood nutrition. This requires creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces in workplaces, public areas, and health facilities, as well as investing in public awareness campaigns that dispel myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding.
As we celebrate Breastfeeding Week and Nutrition Promotion Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a healthier, stronger Myanmar by recognizing the undeniable link between nutrition and breastfeeding. By providing mothers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make informed decisions about breastfeeding, we are not only ensuring the optimal development of our children but also building a foundation for a prosperous and resilient country.
In this critical moment, we have to shape the future through the simple act of nurturing. Let us seize this opportunity to champion the well-being of mothers and infants alike, and in doing so, pave the way for a brighter, healthier Myanmar for generations to come.