'Why should I breastfeed?'
is a question commonly asked by new mothers when faced with the
choice between breast milk and formula for their newborn. There has
been much controversy over the years as to whether breast really is
best, as claimed by 'lactivists' worldwide
A study released in March
2012 by the Amerian Pediatric Association has brought together all
available, peer-reviewed research on the subject, and a very
interesting picture has emerged (see original article here).
The scientific research has shown that in many areas, from general
infant health to brain development, breastfeeding has some
significant advantages!
Breastfeeding's effect on
infant health
- The risk of
hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infections in the first
year is reduced by 72% if an infant breastfeeds exclusively for more
than 4 months.
- Serious colds and ear and
throat infections were reduced by 63% in infants who exclusively
breastfed for 6 months
- Even when an infant is
only partially breastfed, there is a 64% reduction in the incidence
of gastrointestinal tract infections (tummy bug). Even two months
after weaning, this effect can still be seen.
These percentages are not
small! There is no room for co-incidence here; breastfeeding really
does help a baby to stay healthy.
Breastfeeding and SIDS
(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
The lastest studies have
shown that breastfeeding is associated with a 36% reduced risk of
SIDS.
Any mother knows that the
fear of SIDS is very real; we all recall waking up at least once in
the night and all but shaking baby awake in a panic to make sure he's
still breathing. Breastfeeding, coupled with safe sleeping practises
will significantly lower the risk of this tragedy befalling your
child.
The writers of this study
say,
"It has been
calculated that more than 900 infant lives per year may be saved in
the United States if 90% of mothers exclusively breastfed for 6
months. In the 42 developing countries in which 90% of the world’s
childhood deaths occur, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and
weaning after 1 year is the most effective intervention, with the
potential of preventing more than 1 million infant deaths per year,
equal to preventing 13% of the world’s childhood mortality."
One million infant
deaths worldwide avoidable through breastfeeding!
The benefits of
breastfeeding are really too many to mention in one short article. In
later life there is a significant reduction in obesity, in diabetes,
in some forms of childhood leukaemia, coeliac disease and
inflammatory bowel disease. There is even evidence to suggest that
breastfeeding helps the infant's brain to develop too, as it seems
that breastfed children may have higher intelligence.
The bottom line is that
breast milk is made by human mothers for human babies! It's made
exactly right, with absolutely everything in it that an infant needs
to thrive and stay healthy. It's so complex that scientists still
don't have all the facts as to exactly why
it's the wonder-food that it is, but they have at least settled the
debate, as it is now perfectly obvious that those women who have been
loudly protesting the lack of breastfeeding in our society were
right.
Breast is Best.
