Is Breast Really Best?

'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.