Articles

Why Breastfeeding is Recommended

Benefits for Baby

Breastmilk provides babies with the perfect combination of nutrients that help them grow and develop. It also provides immunities that help protect the baby against a variety of infections, such as diarrhea, colds, flus, and ear infections.
In addition, the proteins and fats in breastmilk are more easily digested. (1 - 8)

Breastmilk needs no special preparation, is readily available, and is always the perfect temperature for the baby. Some studies have shown that breastfeeding may have long-term health benefits for children, by helping to protect against allergies and diabetes. (2, 4, 8).

 

Benefits for Mom

In the first few days after delivery, breastfeeding helps the mother’s uterus contract and decreases her bleeding. Sitting down to breastfeed ensures that a mom is getting some much-needed time off her feet to rest and recuperate. Breastfeeding also stimulates production of the hormone oxytocin, which may lead to feelings of being more relaxed and content.

According to recent studies, women who breastfeed have decreased risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. (8 -10). Many new moms are concerned about weight loss after delivery. Though breastfeeding can increase a woman’s appetite, many breastfeeding moms find that nursing for more than 3 months helps them lose weight.

by Barbara Dehn RN MS NP
Author of Your Personal Guide to Breastfeeding

Recommendations:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if possible, moms exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least 6 months. The US Surgeon General agrees and also recommends breastfeeding throughout the baby’s first year.

 

References:

1.Chantry CJ, Howard CR, Auinger. Full breastfeeding duration and associated decrease in respiratory tract infection in US children. Pediatrics. 2006 Feb;117 (2):425-32.

2.Kramer MS, Kakuma R. The optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding: a systematic review. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2004; 554:63-77.

3. Paramasivam K, Michie C, Opara E, Jewell AP. Human breast milk immunology: a review. Int J Fertil Womens Med. 2006 Sep-Oct; 51(5):208-17.

4. Schack-Nielsen L, Michaelsen KF. Advances in our understanding of the biology of human milk and its effects on the offspring. J Nutr. 2007 Feb;137 (2):503S-510S.

5. Beaudry M, Dufour R, Marcoux S. Relation between infant feeding and infections during the first six months of life. J Pediatr 1995;126:191-197.

6.Duncan B, Ey J, Holberg CJ, et al. Exclusive breast-feeding for at least 4 months protects against otitis media. Pediatrics 1993; 91(5):867-872.

7. Popkin BM, Adair L, Akin JS, et al. Breast-feeding and diarrheal morbidity. 34.
Pediatrics 1990;86 (6):874-882.

8. Schack-Nielsen L, Larnkjaer A, Michaelsen KF. Long term effects of breastfeeding on the infant and mother. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2005; 569:16-23.

9. McLaughlin JR, Risch HA, Lubinski J, et al. Reproductive risk factors for ovarian cancer in carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: a case-control study. Lancet Oncol. 2007 Jan;8(1):26-34.
10. Newcomb PA, Storer BE, et al. Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1994 Jan 13;330(2):81-7.

11. HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, 2000.

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