--- title: "Breastfeeding matters: Benefits for baby's immunity and mother's health" url: https://moldova1.md/p/82323/breastfeeding-matters-benefits-for-baby-s-immunity-and-mother-s-health published: 2026-08-04T07:05:00Z language: en author: "Gabriela Melnic" section: "Social" source: moldova1.md --- # Breastfeeding matters: Benefits for baby's immunity and mother's health > Breastfeeding contributes to the health and development of the child and brings important benefits to the mother. Over 175 countries mark World Breastfeeding Week in the first week of August, an initiative dedicated to promoting and supporting this process. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/3193e307-2ef0-409b-b199-51a51770f206.jpg) Breastfeeding contributes to the health and development of the child and brings important benefits to the mother. Over 175 countries mark World Breastfeeding Week in the first week of August, an initiative dedicated to promoting and supporting this process. According to breastfeeding consultant Nadejda Fărâmă from the "Mămica Alăptează" Association, breast milk is the natural food that meets infants' needs and has significant positive effects on their physical health and emotional development. "Breastfeeding is natural for infants. It is the nourishment that every newborn should receive," the specialist stated in an interview with Teleradio-Moldova. The initial portions of breast milk, known as colostrum, play a crucial role in developing a newborn's immune system. Colostrum is rich in immune cells and biologically active components that help the child's body combat infections. "Children who are breastfed with the first portions of colostrum receive a substantial amount of immune cells. This helps them overcome infections more easily and reduces the incidence of allergies," explains Nadejda Fărâmă. She also notes that the benefits of breastfeeding extend into the long term. Research indicates that breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic issues in adulthood. Additionally, breastfeeding helps strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding offers significant benefits for mothers as well. Initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth can help reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, and in the long term, it is associated with a lower risk of diseases like breast and ovarian cancer. According to a specialist, "In terms of reducing the risk of oncological diseases such as ovarian and breast cancer, the risk decreases considerably in women who breastfeed." One common challenge that new mothers face in the initial weeks postpartum is incorrect latch of the baby to the breast. This issue can lead to pain for the mother, hinder effective breast emptying, and subsequently decrease milk production. To determine if the baby is properly latched, mothers should look for several signs: the baby's mouth should be wide open, cover as much of the areola as possible, and be positioned close to the mother's body. Another crucial indicator of effective feeding is whether the baby is swallowing milk. However, the most reliable assessment of feeding effectiveness is monitoring the child's weight gain in collaboration with a family doctor or neonatologist. Lactation consultants highlight that one common concern among mothers is the fear that they are not producing enough milk. In many cases, this issue can be addressed by correctly stimulating lactation. "The problem of not producing enough milk is one that can be solved. It requires some effort and time to stimulate milk production," says Nadejda Fărâmă. She explains that the more frequently and effectively milk is extracted from the breast, the more the body will produce. One common myth about breastfeeding is that breast milk can be "weak" or not nutritious enough for the baby. Specialists emphasize that breast milk is specifically produced to meet the needs of the baby and its composition changes according to the child’s developmental stage. Many mothers also believe they must stop breastfeeding when they are ill. However, in most cases, breastfeeding can continue, as breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby. Another misconception is that a baby who is exclusively breastfed for the first six months needs extra water. However, international guidelines indicate that breast milk provides all the necessary fluids for an infant during this time. According to data from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF Moldova, in 2024, 49% of children were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. While this figure shows an improvement, it still falls short of the global target of 50%. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary foods until the age of two years or beyond.