Breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby

Most human babies across the world are fed their mothers’ milk. However, in the United States and some other industrialized nations, many babies are not. Reasons for this took root several decades ago. In the 1950s and 60s, women were often told they “didn’t have enough milk” and that formula was “just as good.” This caused many mothers to turn to artificial formula instead.

But today, breastfeeding is more common. If you or a loved one is expecting, you may be confused about whether or not to breastfeed. Here’s what you need to know.

The rise of artificial feeding during and after World War II lowered breastfeeding rates, but as the lifelong health benefits of breastfeeding to both babies and mothers become better known, breastfeeding rates are rising again in developed countries.

Protection for baby

Breastfeeding provides several health benefits for newborn babies. Human milk contains antibacterial, antiparasite and antiviral factors that help protect babies from many diseases and conditions, including:

• Childhood obesity
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Asthma
• Childhood cancers
• Ear infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Respiratory illness (including allergies and asthma)
• Gastrointestinal illness (including necrotizing enterocolitis)

Interestingly, research shows that artificially-fed infants consistently score several points lower on IQ tests. One study found that adults who had not been breastfeed for at least nine months as infants measured 4.6 points lower on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).

Healthier future for mom

Breastfeeding has also been shown to provide health benefits to mothers. Mothers who breastfeed have lower risks for:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Postpartum depression

Breastfeeding tips

If you do choose to breastfeed, here are a few helpful tips:

• Take prenatal childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care classes.
• Nurse your baby frequently: the more often the baby breastfeeds, the more milk the mother produces!
• Human milk is dose dependent: Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no artificial milk or foods) for six months and breastfeeding for at least a year is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Consult these credible sources for more information on breastfeeding and its benefits.

If you have questions about breastfeeding or would like lactation support as you begin breastfeeding, connect with a lactation consultant at a Baylor Scott & White labor and delivery facility near you. You can also visit our website to learn about our breastfeeding support groups and classes.

References:

Lauwers, Judith, and Anna Swisher. Counseling the Nursing Mother: A Lactation Consultant’s Guide. 6th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2015. Print.