August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is invented and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. This campaign starts from the 1st to the 7th day of the month, which means today is the last day. This campaign has the ultimate goal to empower women to commit to breastfeeding their babies by highlighting the advantages of breastfeeding. By the research, babies who are exclusively breastfed (no formula, juice, or water) for 6 months from their mother are less likely to evolve with ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and childhood obesity. Despite the numerous advantages, there are still a dozen problems that arise out of this topic which creates stumbling blocks for women and prevents the baby from receiving the proper nutrition in the early stage of their life. Specifically talking about Cambodia, breastfeeding is popular and 63% of infants are exclusively breastfed notwithstanding the poor supporting service. Unfortunately, breastfeeding in Cambodia has rooted in poverty and our conservative society takes it for granted. For instance, breastfeeding openly is still a major concern for women and the public. To take part in this campaign and to respond to the hottest issues recently, this article will dedicate to the topic: 

“Why Breastfeeding?”

It’s the best thing mothers can give to their baby in the earliest stage of life--breast milk. It is significant because both mother and baby are benefited from exclusive breastfeeding. First, for the baby, the richness of nutrients and vitamins in breast milk are the golden sources of the baby’s immune system powers which defend the baby from illnesses and help them to be smart and healthy. Particularly, there’re also rewards for the mother. In the process of breastfeeding, the mother’s body will be able to release the hormone oxytocin and burn calories, resulted in good uterus health and faster pregnancy weight loss. It lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer as well. 

Breastfeeding is a natural method that consumes less time and money from mothers and families. It is not even on the equivalent level to the complicated formula using or breast milk pumping and the expressed breast milk storing. Mother can breastfeed without any preparation which makes it easy for herself and her baby. Imagine having to measure the formula, keep eye on stored milk, way too many things to do; some mothers may think breastfeeding is a time-wasting but they fail to realize all of these components of formula and pumped milk. Additionally, the mother could also save more money. First, she doesn’t have to buy materials for feeding her baby. Second, she has time to perform her work fully. Noticeably, the majority of Cambodian mothers couldn’t afford to buy and studying about breast pump materials and formula. Riskily, the mother would spend more money if she has inadequate knowledge about this stuff because it’s harmful to the baby. 

To everyone out there, breastfeeding is the most natural of all human interaction. People need to stop freaking out when they see a woman breastfeed her baby in public. People need to stop body-shaming women who breastfeed openly or in public because breast milk is compulsory for their baby growing up process. In short, babies need their mother's milk, not anyone's approval. Women should never be pressured for doing the most natural and righteous thing for their baby. 

For the mother, the relationship between her and her kids is important. There is no better way in bonding the relationship between a mother and her baby in the earliest stage of their life than a mother who is exclusively breastfed her baby. When breastfeeding, there is definitely physical and emotional contact which creates an unbreakable bond between them. It is not only about the baby, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed a baby until they are two years old, toddler. Certainly, the relationship as mother and daughter or son will be strengthened for the time being, and forever. 

Ultimately, breastfeeding should be utilized by every mother around the world. The advantages of breastfeeding have always outnumbered the disadvantages. Cambodian mothers are already majorly breastfed their baby exclusively; nonetheless, it is because of the economic problems not because they clearly understand the benefits of breastfeeding. I hope this mere article would encourage them to continue to breastfeed their baby and spread the positivity around to other mothers. All of the babies need at least 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding from their mother and that marks a very crucial start in their life.

Written by: Khimpich Molika

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