For those of you who aren’t aware of it, August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. As this month was set aside by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and WHO (World Health Organization) to promote the awareness of breastfeeding and its importance, both organizations recommend that mothers breastfeed their infants the first 6 months of their lives. Furthermore, according to the CDC, 83% of all US babies receive breast milk when they are born. After 6 months, only 25% are still breastfed.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Babies
Breastfeeding provides numerous emotional, mental, and physical benefits for babies and their mothers. For instance, babies that have been breastfed have:
- better vision
- fewer cases of bacterial meningitis
- fewer colds and respiratory illnesses
- fewer ear infections (especially the ones that can damage hearing)
- fewer occurrences of SIDS
- less constipation, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, etc.
- less hospitalization
- less illness overall
- lower infant mortality rates
- stronger immune systems
In addition to this, breast milk provides an abundance of antibodies from the mother, antioxidants, enzymes, easily-absorbed nutritional elements, and immune properties. Breast milk contains naturally soothing substances as well. Not only is it important to ensure that the babies’ nutritional aspects are considered, but it works for the psychological well-being of the babies. Pediatricians speculate that breastfed infants often become healthier children and are less likely to suffer from:
- allergies, asthma, and eczema
- cavities and other dental issues
- childhood cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas
- colitis and Crohn’s Disease
- decreased brain maturation
- lower immunity to infections
- obesity
- orthodontic and speech problems
- respiratory illnesses
- types I and II Diabetes
There are also benefits for them as adults and teenagers such as being less likely to develop heart disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Benefits also include lower rates of pre-and post-menopausal breast cancers and a lower risk of multiple sclerosis.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms
Moms benefit as well both emotionally and physically. From an emotional standpoint, breastfeeding produces oxytocin and prolactin, naturally soothing hormones that produce positive feelings and promote stress reduction. Furthermore, it increases calmness, confidence, and self-esteem. From a physical perspective, moms who breastfeed lose weight faster after childbirth, have fewer urinary tract infections, and have less risk of postpartum depression.
Additionally, moms who breastfeed their babies are less likely to suffer from diabetes, endometriosis, heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis as they age. Plus, they have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Thus, it works out in favor of both the babies and their mothers.
For more information about National Breastfeeding Awareness Month or for information about digital mammography and the role of digital imaging in breast exams, call Vital Imaging at (305) 596-9992. Remember whether it be breastfeeding and/or formula, a fed baby is a healthy one!