Benefits of Breastfeeding

By, Kristi Ryall, RN, IBCLC

When a new baby is brought into this world, there are many decisions parents are faced with. What should we name the little one? Who will be the Pediatrician? Where will they go to College? Which car seat will we buy? One of the most important decisions for parents is what type of feeding they will choose to nourish their baby: breastmilk or formula.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2002): 

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production.

In addition to the ease and availability of breastmilk, there are many benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and the baby that should be considered when choosing a feeding method.

For Mom, breastfeeding:

1. Decreases the risk of breast cancer-a reduction as much as 25% is equal to the proportion of the lifetime duration of breastfeeding. The more time spent breastfeeding, the lower her risk.

2. Decreases risk of uterine/ovarian cancer – one reason is that estrogen levels are lower during lactation, so the risk decreases when a mom is breastfeeding.

3. Lowers the risk of developing osteoporosis – non-breastfeeding women have a 4 times greater chance of developing it during their lifetime than a woman who breastfed her children.

4. Can allow natural spacing of children – since exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no supplementation of any kind) delays ovulation, it can prevent a pregnancy. However, this is often not recommended to use as the sole birth control method because it is not a 100% guarantee.

5. Promotes emotional health – breastfeeding benefits the body and the mind. Breastfeeding moms show less anxiety and depression related to the natural release of endorphins and oxytocin.

6. Promotes weight loss after baby – breastfeeding moms report a larger weight loss back to pre-pregnancy weight than non-breastfeeding moms.

7. Is cost effective – formula can be very expensive and must also include the purchase of bottles and supplies. Breastfeeding is free and always available; no need to mix and prepare or worry about running out in the middle of the night.

8. Helps the uterus return to its normal size – natural hormones are released while breastfeeding that cause the uterus to contract and begin to shrink back to where it was pre-pregnancy.

In addition to the benefits to Mom, there are also benefits to Baby. They include:

1. Higher IQ

2. Fewer ear infections

3. Fewer respiratory infections

4. Breastmilk is easier to digest, so baby is less fussy

5. Provides all the right nutrients and changes as baby grows to meet their needs at all times

6. Always available and at the right temperature

7. May have protective effect against SIDS

8. Stimulates the senses of taste and smell

© Vcarmstrong | Dreamstime.com - Breastfeeding Photo

There are many resources available to help mothers in their early breastfeeding days, and to assist them if any problems arise thereafter. Make sure talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have, and ask about who to contact in your community for help. La Leche League and WIC are great resources with a lot of education and knowledge to help you get the support you need. While at the hospital, be sure to see a Lactation Consultant who can provide hands on assistance and education, as well as direct you to follow-up resources in your community. With lots of support and guidance, your breastfeeding experience can be very enjoyable and rewarding to both you and your new baby.

       

References:

World Health Organization. (2002). Infant and young child nutrition: Global strategy on infant and young child feeding. FIFTY-FIFTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY, A55/15, Provisional agenda item 13.10. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/gb/archive/pdf_files/WHA55/ea5515.pdf?ua=1

Edited 2/19/2015 by Sara Steelman, MPH