Dr. Fatemeh Mohammadi, a midwifery expert and Head of the Abhar Health Center, stated: “Breast milk is a complete and living food that fulfills all the growth and developmental needs of an infant during the first six months of life. Serving as the first vaccine, it plays a highly effective role in strengthening the infant’s immune system.”On the occasion of August 1st, World Breastfeeding Day, Dr. Fatemeh Mohammadi, a midwifery expert and Head of the Abhar Health Center, discussed the importance of breastfeeding in an interview with the WebDa-Zanjan news portal. She described breastfeeding as an unparalleled divine gift in the human life cycle, noting its significant role in establishing the foundation of infant health and elevating the community’s health indicators.

She added, “Breast milk provides all the nutritional requirements for an infant’s growth and development during the first six months of life. Due to its rich content of antibodies and immunity-boosting factors, it protects the child against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, allergies, and several chronic diseases in the years to come.”Highlighting the additional benefits of breastfeeding for infants, the Head of the Abhar Health Center noted, “Breastfeeding also plays a pivotal role in establishing psychological and emotional security, shaping emotional intelligence, and ensuring optimal child development.”

Dr. Mohammadi continued, “Breastfeeding is not only advantageous for the infant; it also reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis in mothers, while aiding the body in returning to pre-pregnancy conditions more rapidly.”Emphasizing the necessity of supporting nursing mothers, she stated, “A mother’s success in exclusive breastfeeding depends not solely on her own will and individual duty; it requires the conscious support of her spouse, family, workplace, and the broader society.”The Head of the Abhar Health Center added, “Creating mother-and-child-friendly spaces and implementing supportive laws for employed mothers are essential requirements for supporting breastfeeding and achieving maternal and child health objectives.”

Dr. Mohammadi concluded by noting that all comprehensive health service centers, health posts, and health houses in the district, staffed by trained health care providers and experts, are prepared to offer free services regarding breastfeeding assessment, training on proper nursing techniques, and assistance in resolving challenges faced by pregnant and nursing mothers.