Having a two-year gap between childbirths, in addition to preventing health problems for the mother and her baby, is also a factor in providing better education and a decent life, according to doctors and sociologists.
Maintaining a certain interval between childbirths is one of the global goals the United Nations is striving to achieve, as a starting point for family reunification, which is part of the working strategy of both the Iraqi and Kurdistan Ministries of Health.
"A mother should breastfeed her baby for up to two years, so she cannot raise another child at the same time, or have another child in her womb, since she should take care of herself and her baby," said Mahabat Salih Saeed Dalo, a gynecologist and obstetrician.
She told KirkukNow that the interval between the birth of one child and another should not be less than two years, because the mother needs mental and physical rest, in addition to taking care of her child.
A mother should breastfeed her baby for up to two years, so she cannot raise another child at the same time
If the interval between childbirths is reduced by just two years, the mortality rate among children aged one to four will be reduced by 21 percent and infant mortality by 10 percent, according to the National Family Planning Strategy in childbirth.
The National Strategy for Family Planning and Childbirth Spacing (2021-2025) is being implemented under the supervision of the Iraqi Ministry of Health and in coordination with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as a roadmap to improve maternal and child health, reduce mortality, and fight poverty.
"In any case, the second child affects the previous child, whether two or three years old. If another child comes after two years, it is better because then the child will adjust gradually,” said Dr. Tara Ali Baban, pediatric nutrition and growth specialist.
“Excessive crying, nausea, fussiness, and sleep disorders are the obvious effects of child behavior. If the gap with the next child is less than two years, these effects are lessened after two years," as Dr. Tara said.
According to the World Health Organization, if the interval between childbirth is two years, the child will have good health, strong bones, and a reasonable weight, because they receive better care, food, and more opportunities for education, learning, and parental love.
Educational sociologist Dara Anwar Zorab calls maintaining the interval between children one of the "important events of family life" because having two years is appropriate for generations to grow up close to each other in terms of relationships, demands, and similar desires.
If the distance between two children is less than two years, there are many harms and negative effects
The closeness of children to each other, when they are two years apart, helps them to be involved in the social and psychological development of their childhood, avoid the use of electronics, smart screens, and prevent autism, loneliness, and shyness.
"If the distance between two children is less than two years, there are many harms and negative effects, including jealousy, increased hatred, anger, and violence against each other.”
The United Nations has 15 Sustainable Development Goals; The third and fifth relate to family planning and the distance between children as a human right and the freedom of husband and wife to decide the number of children.
