Breastfeeding your infant is like giving him a freshly-prepared gourmet meal designed by a nutritionist for that particular time in his life. Breastmilk changes according to an infant’s need. A woman’s milk is different when her infant is 1 week old than it is when her infant is 6 months old. When the weather is cold, breastmilk has a higher fat content. When it is hot, it has a higher water content.
Breastmilk contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat for babies. The types of nutrients in breastmilk are the types that babies can most easily absorb.
Breastmilk contains a number of anti-infective properties and can help fight infection. Mom has been building her own immune system over the years, developing immunity to diseases to which she has been exposed. Breastfeeding allows her to pass along these immunities to baby when his own system is immature.
No wonder research shows that breastfed babies have a lower incidence of ear infections, respiratory infections, SIDS, gastroenteritis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and type 2 diabetes(CDC Research to practice series #4 July 2007) and many other diseases.
Childhood obesity is a problem in the United States. Breastfeeding can decrease a child’s chance of being overweight. Initially researchers disagreed as to whether it was the actual breastmilk itself that gave this benefit or the feeding style. (It is much easier to overfeed a baby with a bottle of formula.) While nursing at the breast is definitely good for baby, further research is showing that breastmilk itself can help protect a child from being overweight.
Breastfeeding is economical. Breastfeeding can save you between $1,160 and $3,915 per year, depending on brand of formula you “would have used.” Many breastfeeding experts say the cost savings are significantly higher because of the cost savings from fewer doctor and hospital visits. [http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/benefits/#a]
Breastfeeding is also good for mothers. Women that breastfeed their babies have a lower rate breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. (CDC Research to practice series #4 July 2007)
There are many more benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and their mothers. Take a breastfeeding class at your local hospital or birthing center or visit a La Leche League meeting.
The AAP Section on Breastfeeding, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, and many other health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding is when an infant is given only breastmilk (no juice, water, or formula). [http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496]
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”
Despite these endorsements and overwhelming research that shows that breast IS best, a recent survey shows that over 70% of hospitals still send free samples of formula home with new parents. [http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/mpinc/index.htm] This practice has been condemned by the World Health Organization as it has been shown to decrease breastfeeding rates.
There is a a LOT of evidence-based information about breastfeeding. Go to the websites listed at left. Talk to your pediatrician and lactation consultant. Take a class on breastfeeding. Go to a La Leche meeting.
This section contains articles and guidance for healthy eating whether you are working on becoming pregnant, expecting or have a new baby. Articles cover information including what to eat, controlling nausea, breastfeeding and vitamins.