The number of women who breastfeed their children in the first half year of life has decreased. Mother and Child Institute pediatrician Petru Stratulat said a reason is the fact that the mothers return to work. On August 1-7, Moldova, alongside another 170 countries, is marking the World Breastfeeding Week, IPN reports.

According to statistics, 46% of the Moldovan children in 2005 were fed exclusively on breast milk in the first six months of life. In 2012 this figure was 36%. The feeding practices differ depending on the place of residence. The situation is better in villages, where 40% of the children are breastfed, as against only 30% in urban areas.

For the number of women breastfeeding their children in the first half year of life to increase, the mothers should be informed about the advantages of breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is the first vaccine of the child. No preparation can offer the infant the immunity and hormones provided by breast milk,” said Petru Stratulat. He added that breastfeeding is the best method for ensuring the child’s development.

The persons who were breastfed in childhood suffer seldom from such diseases as obesity and diabetes type 2 and score better results in intelligence tests. Breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mother as it prevents breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Between August 1 and August 7, the medical-sanitary institutions will carry out activities to raise mothers’ awareness. The week is themed “Supporting breastfeeding: closer to mothers”.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life. It promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases.