Is It True That Cancer Risk Increases Without Breastfeeding? Find Out The Facts Here!

Breastfeeding is not just a physical activity, it is a sacred experience that strengthens the bond between mother and baby.

Many health experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

Besides providing great benefits to the baby's health, breastfeeding also contributes to the mother's health and may lower the risk of some cancers.

Breast milk is important to provide adequate nutrition for the mother's baby's body to stay healthy.

The ingredients in breast milk are much more beneficial than formula milk.

A mother who does not breastfeed her child is said to increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

In addition, infants who are not breastfed are said to be at increased risk of infectious morbidity, as well as obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome.

The link between not breastfeeding and cancer risk is due to the interconnected hormonal effects of periods of amenorrhea and infertility.

This reduces lifetime exposure to menstrual cycles and alters certain hormones, such as androgens, which can affect cancer risk.

In addition, elevated levels of sex steroids are strongly associated with breast cancer risk after menopause.

Continued sloughing of breast tissue during breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer through the elimination of cells by DNA destruction and mutation.

Furthermore, mothers who do not breastfeed their children may also increase their risk of ovarian cancer.

However, whether mothers who breastfeed their children reduce their risk of developing these cancers is unclear.

One conclusion is that breastfeeding is associated with a longer amenorrhea period and lower gonadotropin levels.

As a result, the body's exposure to plasma estradiol will decrease Breast milk is very beneficial for newborns up to 2 years of age.

Here are some important benefits of breastfeeding:

1. Colostrum on the First Day: Breast milk contains colostrum in the first few days after birth. Colostrum is rich in antibodies that protect newborns from infections.
2. Protects against Allergies and Eczema: For babies with a family history of allergies, breastfeeding can help. The proteins in breast milk are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to cow's milk or soy formula.
3. Lower Risk of Digestive Problems: Breast milk is easier to digest, which reduces the risk of colic, diarrhea, and constipation in babies.
4. Reduced Risk of Infections: Breast milk contains a lot of antibodies, which help protect babies from viral infections, gastroenteritis, ear infections and respiratory infections.
5. Improves the Health of Premature Babies: Breastfeeding premature babies can protect them from serious conditions like necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and chronic lung disease.
6. Closer Mother-Baby Bond: Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding can increase the emotional closeness between mom and baby, strengthening their bond.

With so many benefits for both mother and baby's health, it is important for mothers to strive to breastfeed until the baby is 2 years old.

Breastfeeding not only provides nutrition, but also strengthens the emotional bond that is important for the baby's development.

For more info: click here | Language: Bahasa Indonesia