Health professionals from the Department of Pediatrics, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen, and the Life Start Professional Association drew attention to the importance of breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week in Debrecen. The clinical experts emphasized that breastfeeding is the best way to feed newborns and infants, while formula is only a substitute.
At Friday’s event held at the Nagyerdei Water Tower, Rudolf Lampé, Deputy Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Debrecen Clinical Center, told hirek.unideb.hu that their decades-long awareness campaigns about the importance of breastfeeding are showing results in Debrecen. Fewer and fewer parents want to feed their newborns or infants with formula.
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the development of the child’s immune system and long-term health. Children who are fed this natural way are much less likely to develop allergic symptoms, behavioral disorders, or childhood obesity. It is a very complex, natural process. Formula cannot compare — it should only be used if breastfeeding is not possible,” emphasized Rudolf Lampé.
He added that very few women are truly unable to breastfeed, even if the mother is taking certain medications.
Gergely Balázs, Head of the Neonatology Department at the Pediatric Clinic, stressed that breastfeeding is also an important component of psychosocial well-being through the mother-child bond.
“Breast milk is medicine. It plays a major role in preventing sudden infant death syndrome, infections, and many illnesses. That’s why we want to support mothers who are about to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, or restarting. Our goal is to build a society where breastfeeding is accessible to every newborn,” stated Gergely Balázs.
Judit Kovács, neonatologist at the Pediatric Clinic, noted that according to international guidelines, babies should be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first six months of life. After that, breastfeeding can continue alongside solid foods — even up to the age of two, if needed.
“Breastfeeding also benefits the mother’s health. It protects against many diseases, such as breast cancer, certain ovarian cancers, metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatological issues,” explained Judit Kovács.
She added that breastfeeding has a zero ecological footprint, unlike the production of formula and feeding bottles, which requires huge amounts of energy and water. According to the World Health Organization’s code, unethical formula marketing is prohibited.
As part of the event, the winners of the “Breastfeeding Superlatives” contest were also announced. Awards went to Anna Terenyei, Klarissza Kerekes-Ugrai, Norbertné Almási, Edina Fekete, and Adrienn Márton.
To close the event, mothers and fathers present — together with their young children — walked to the Breastfeeding Mother statue by Ferenc Medgyessy on Oláh Gábor Street.
(unideb.hu)
