The benefits of breastfeeding

Numerous major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dietetic Association, strongly support breastfeeding. Their position statements urge women when possible, to exclusively breast feed their babies for the first six month of life and to continue breastfeeding with complimentary foods from six months to at least 12 months of age.

The belief is that this pattern provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the baby. It can be especially important for pre-term and low birth weight babies.

When the recommendations state "exclusively," they mean attempting breast feeding shortly after birth and not giving the infant supplemental bottles of formula, water, other liquids, or pacifiers. Doing so appears to lower the success rate of initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, and reduces the nutrition the baby receives.

Not only does breast milk contain a perfect balance of nutrients, but these nutrients are in a form that infants can better digest and absorb. This potentially means a reduced risk of digestive problems and optimal nutrient uptake. The amounts of the various nutrients are also at a level appropriate for the infant's immature kidneys and in the right proportions for growth and development needs.

Breast milk also has the unique advantage of changing composition over time. As the baby's nutritional needs change, the breast milk changes to meet those needs. The first milk (colostrum) is perfect for newborns, while the mature milk later on is appropriate for older babies. Breast milk is also bacterially safe, as well as cost and time effective.

The only additional nutrients a young infant may need are vitamin D and possibly fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends intake of 400 IU vitamin D daily from birth to at least 18 years of age for all infants — breast or formula fed (formulas may cover some of the need but probably not the full amount).

Breast milk contains numerous substances that assist with immunity. When it comes to health, research shows that breast-fed infants tend to have fewer infections and illnesses, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and visits to a health-care provider. Examples are ear and respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia.

Breast feeding is also associated with reduced risk of infant deaths in general, childhood leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For premature infants, breastfeeding reduces the incidence of the potentially fatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

For baby, long term, breast feeding is associated with a lower lifetime risk of chronic diseases, such as type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Breast fed babies also tend to have healthier body weights and are less likely to become overweight or obese as adolescents and adults.

Breast feeding may also lower the chance of food allergies and intolerances. Some studies even show a relationship to higher intelligence test scores. Orally, breast feeding helps promote proper teeth and jaw development. Some studies suggest it can even act as a mild analgesic or pain reliever. Emotionally, the act of breast feeding assists with bonding between the mother and her infant.

In addition to knowing that she is providing the best nourishment for her child, mom can also benefit from breast feeding. To start, her recovery from delivery is quicker than if she does not breast feed. Because it delays menstruation, it can also help mom to recover her iron stores from losses at delivery.

The longer women breast feed, the lower their lifetime risk of getting breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes (except for those who have had gestational diabetes) and rheumatoid arthritis. This is especially significant with breastfeeding more than 12 months all children combined. Breast feeding can also lower blood pressure in women before, during and after breastfeeding sessions.

Moms may also benefit emotionally. Studies have shown that breast feeding women tend to have a lesser chance of experiencing postpartum depression.

While breastfeeding, a woman's need for protein is 25 gm/day above pre-pregnant needs (similar to needs during pregnancy). Calcium needs are slightly higher as well (1200-1500 mg/day) with adequate vitamin D. She should also increase her fluid intake to cover milk production. For weight maintenance, her calorie needs are similar to those during pregnancy. For postpartum weight loss, a slightly lower calorie intake does not appear to negatively affect milk production, but a more restrictive diet is not recommended.

Women who take prescription or over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements should check with their pharmacist and/or health-care provider to evaluate the safety of what they are taking with regard to breastfeeding. They should also reduce their exposure to chemical contaminants, including those found in foods (such as methyl mercury, which can be high in some fish).

If a woman anticipates pregnancy followed by breastfeeding, achieving a healthy body weight before pregnancy appears to improve breastfeeding success, as obesity triggers factors that may negatively affect milk production.

For a number of reasons, new moms may not be able to achieve the recommended goal of breastfeeding for at least a year. Although this longer duration of breastfeeding is optimal, be assured that any amount of time spent breastfeeding provides benefits. The good news is that there are many resources available to help — medical professionals, lactation specialists, registered dietitians, and breastfeeding support groups.



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