Breastfeeding Lowers Mother’s Risk of Breast, Ovarian Cancers, Type 2 Diabetes

Breastfeeding can help to lower a mother’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers as well as Type 2 diabetes, says Parish Nutritionist for Westmoreland, Gladoris Robinson-Reid.

These are among the significant health benefits being highlighted by the Westmoreland Health Department as the entity promotes exclusive breastfeeding of babies for the first six months of life.

The Parish Nutritionist emphasised that breastfeeding does not mean that a woman will never develop these illnesses.

“It’s not an absolution; it’s a lowering of risk because of the benefit that it does for our body,” she explained.

Mrs. Robinson-Reid said breastfeeding can also support healthy weight after childbirth, noting the relationship between obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

She said that breastfeeding also assists the womb in returning to its normal size more quickly following delivery and helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.

For the baby, Mrs. Robinson-Reid pointed out that breastfeeding provides significant benefits, including good nutrition for healthy growth and development.

It also strengthens the baby’s immune system, providing protection against infections and illnesses.

“We don’t want our babies to get sick and if we don’t want that, then it’s important that we use breast milk as a best start because it builds a strong immune system,” she pointed out.

“[The] liquid gold is actually colostrum that is found in breast milk. That is the first milk that is coming from the breast after delivery,” she noted.

Mrs. Robinson-Reid said the benefits of breastfeeding also extend to the household, as families can avoid or reduce expenditure on breastmilk substitutes.

“If we can reduce that, it will be less stress for some of our families,” she added.

Mrs. Robinson-Reid said the positive impact of breastfeeding “ultimately benefits the family; it benefits our country; it benefits our nation”.