Tiếng Việt
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, if all infants were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, more than 820,000 deaths among children under five could be prevented every year worldwide. Breastfeeding also offers significant health benefits for mothers, including reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Why is breast milk the best nutrition for your baby?
Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet a baby’s changing nutritional needs, with its composition naturally adapting as your child grows.
Some of its key benefits include:
- Strengthens the immune system: Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is rich in IgA antibodies, immune cells and other protective factors that help reduce the risk of infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses.
- Supports healthy growth and development: Breast milk provides the ideal balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water to support brain development, vision, digestion and physical growth.
- Reduces the risk of illness: Studies have shown that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to develop diarrhea, pneumonia and many other infectious diseases.
Breastfeeding benefits mothers too
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for babies, it also supports a mother’s recovery after childbirth and contributes to her long-term health.
It can help to:
- Promote uterine contraction, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
- Support postpartum recovery and help mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight naturally.
- Lower the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce the cost of infant feeding while helping minimize waste from formula, feeding bottles and plastic packaging.
The “1 + 6 + 24” breastfeeding model – giving your baby the best start
At Hanoi French Hospital, we encourage every family to follow the “1 + 6 + 24” breastfeeding approach:
- Within the first hour after birth: Initiate breastfeeding as early as possible.
- For the first 6 months: Exclusively breastfeed your baby.
- For 24 months or longer: Continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods.
Breastfeeding is a journey that requires time, patience and the right support. At Hanoi French Hospital, our experienced obstetricians, pediatricians and midwives are here to help mothers establish and maintain breastfeeding from the very first hours after birth. Our support includes:
- Early breastfeeding assistance: Experienced midwives help mothers with proper positioning, effective latch techniques, stimulating milk production and initiating breastfeeding, even after a Caesarean birth.
- Expert breastfeeding guidance: Mothers receive timely support for common breastfeeding challenges, including blocked milk ducts, mastitis, breast abscesses, low milk supply and feeding difficulties.
- Multidisciplinary care: Close collaboration between our Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Physiotherapy teams ensures personalized, comprehensive care for both mother and baby throughout the postnatal period.
Learn more about our First-class Maternity Package at Hanoi French Hospital: https://www.hfh.com.vn/en/maternity-package/
