Breastfeeding Benefits: Studies Suggest that It Saves 800,000 Lives Per Year

Breastfeeding is, in fact, one of nature's miracle. There are countless studies that proved that a mother's milk is the best nourishment for a growing infant. As of the latest study on breastfeeding, it was mentioned that universal breastfeeding can potentially save around 800,000 lives per year of both the mother and the breastfed infant.

According to a study published by the British medical journal "The Lancet" it was mentioned that breastfeeding can "prevent 800,000 child deaths per year." In addition to the studies that were published on the journal, Telegraph added that a team of scientists from the Federal Universal University of Pelotas in Brazil focused on the research from 28 other reviews on breastfeeding studies for them to get the conclusion published on the journal.

Our new breastfeeding Series - potential to prevent 800 000 child deaths per year https://t.co/LU0WTs2G0U #LancetBF pic.twitter.com/iQtQjAjzZg

— The Lancet (@TheLancet) January 29, 2016

As per Professor Cesar Victoria, the study lead, "There is a widespread misconception that breast milk can be replaced with artificial products without detrimental consequences. The decision not to breastfeed has major long-term negative effects on the health, nutrition and development of children and on women's health."

"This report underpins and reinforces why breastfeeding is the most appropriate method of providing nutrition for a baby," Janet Flayne of the Royal College of Midwives said about the importance of breastfeeding, "It also highlights the pressing need to promote and increase the uptake of breastfeeding in the UK and globally."

Dr Nigel Rollins from the World Health Organization, on the other hand, stated that women who refuse to breastfeed should not be discriminated as they too need support. "The success or failure of breastfeeding should not be seen solely as the responsibility of the woman," Dr Rollins pointed out about the factors that influence the non-breastfeeding mothers."Her ability to breastfeed is very much shaped by the support and the environment in which she lives. There is a broader responsibility of governments and society to support women through policies and programmes in the community."