Breast milk is the best food for a child up to 2 years old. It can protect them, at least theoretically, even against the coronavirus thanks to antibodies like immunoglobulins.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce the risk of developing breast cancer due to the hormonal activity that occurs in women during this period, says Dr. Mauricio León Rivera, Surgical Oncologist of our clinic.

He explains that various studies worldwide indicate that breastfeeding protects against malignant breast tumors being a natural protection process, especially in young women; however, when it is done after the age of 40 this protective factor decreases.

Dr. León states that the maturation of the mammary cells, from the prepubertal stage to the development of the ducts and lobules during lactation, causes the cells to differentiate themselves, becoming more resistant to the carcinogenic influences of hormones, alcohol or junk food, for example. “Breastfeeding stimulates cell differentiation, making the cells to protect themselves against mutations observed in certain types of malignant tumors or against bad habits”.

He also mentions that in Peru and worldwide there is a tendency that women for work reasons or to preserve the turgor and aesthetics of the breasts reduce the lactation period of their babies by using industrialized milk which consists of cow’s milk modified for human consumption, actions that predispose to the development of breast cancer, as well as other diseases such as infections since breast milk has natural antibiotics.

Also, it highlights that breast milk is the best food for a child up to 2 years old, theoretically being able to protect them even against coronavirus thanks to antibodies like immunoglobulins.

The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in all countries from August 01 to 07 each year to promote its benefits to mothers and their children, since we know that in our country 30% of children under 6 months do not receive it, and it is even worse in rural populations, concludes the specialist.

Dr. Mauricio León Rivera
Surgical Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma