Breastfeeding has long been an essential practice to improve the health of newborns, and now a recent study has found yet another reason to encourage mothers to breastfeed.

The study discovered that breastfeeding for at least six months may help lower the risk of leukemia in children. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in the body and can be fatal if not treated on time.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy center of bones. It’s most common in children and teenagers but can occur in people of any age.

The disease results in the production of abnormal white blood cells in the body’s bone marrow, which results in the body being unable to fight infections and diseases.

How Breastfeeding May Help Lower the Risk of Leukemia in Kids?

The recent study by the University of Haifa is the leading investigation that suggests that breastfeeding may have a positive impact on childhood leukemia rates.

Researchers looked at the data from over eighteen studies on breastfeeding and leukemia risk. The study showed that breastfeeding for at least six months decreased the chances of developing the disease in children by 19%.

One potential explanation for why this may be is that breastfeeding leads to the production of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in the mother’s milk.

HMOs are complex sugars that have been shown to have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. They create a rich environment for good bacteria in the gut, which may aid in the development of a strong immune system as well as reduce inflammation that leads to cancer development.

Other Benefits of Breastfeeding

The potential benefits of breastfeeding go far beyond just these positive findings on leukemia risk. Breast milk is known to contain an array of nutrients, including essential vitamins and other vital growth factors.

Related Article Breastfeeding and Reduced Leukemia Rates in Children

Additionally, breastfeeding can lead to improved gut health and reduced rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It can also have a positive impact on a child’s cognitive development, leading to higher scores on intelligence tests later in life.

The World Health Organization further recommends exclusive breastfeeding up until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing alongside the introduction of solid foods until at least two years of age.

The Importance of Breastfeeding, and its Promotion

The benefits of breastfeeding, both to the mother and the newborn are overwhelming, and yet, many women feel discouraged, embarrassed, or uncomfortable doing it in public.

A 2019 survey by Public Health England stated that nearly half of all mothers or pregnant women were embarrassed to breastfeed in public. It is important to note that most countries have laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, and those who try to interrupt or prevent this may face legal consequences.

Breastfeeding is also cost-effective and accessible, making it an essential part of health care, particularly in resource-challenged societies.

Efforts to boost breastfeeding rates must, therefore, be prioritized by governments, health care providers, and other related organizations as this may result in healthier outcomes for a larger population, including those in the low and middle-income countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evidence suggests that breastfeeding for at least six months can reduce the risk of childhood leukemia in children. Besides, it’s respected for the many other health benefits to both the mother and child.

It is crucial to promote and support breastfeeding as an integral part of the healthcare system, regardless of social or economic factors, and a basic human right for all women and their newborns.