Benefits of Breastfeeding

Tina HinrichsSpring 2007

Definitions of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding: The child has received breast milk direct from the breast or expressed.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: The infant has received only breast milk with the exception of vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicine.

Predominant Breastfeeding: The infant’s predominant source of nourishment has been breast milk. However, the infant may have also received water and water-based drinks. No food-based fluid is allowed under this definition.

Definitions of Breastfeeding

Full Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding and predominant breastfeeding together, constitute full breastfeeding.

Complementary Feeding: The child has received both breast milk and solid or semi-solid food.

Bottle-Feeding: The child has received liquid or semi-solid food from a bottle with a nipple/teat.

Benefits to the ChildPHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Infectious illnesses

Inflammatory bowel diseases

Forms of cancer

Juvenile onset of diabetes and obesity

Asthma and eczema

Cavities and braces

Benefits to the ChildCOGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Higher IQ tests, as measured by a standardized intelligence test

Optimal development of the brain

Cognitive and Visual

Physical and intellectual potential

Intellectual attainment

Benefits to the ChildSOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Emotional bond

Mother-child relationship

Reduce infant abandonment

Infant’s stimulation

Ability to mature

Meets dependency needs

Needs are being met

Closeness and availability of mother

Benefits to the Mother

Ovarian and breast cancer

Osteoporosis

Quicker recovery after childbirth

Postpartum bleeding and anemia

Long-term obesity

More confident and less anxious

Attachment to child

Benefits to Society

Health costs

Sick days

Electricity and fuels

Packaging and production

Birth spacing

No waste

Naturally renewable

Percentage ofChildren Ever Breastfed

Percentage of ChildrenBreastfed at 3 Months of Age

Percentage of ChildrenBreastfed at 6 Months of Age

Percentage of Children Breastfed at 12 Months of Age

Reasons to NOT Breastfeed

HIV infectedT-Cell leukemia virus type 1Hepatitis CIllicit drug useImplants and breast surgeryMetabolic disordersPharmaceutical drugsTobacco and alcohol consumption

Complimentary Book

Contact State Farm Insurance

1-888-733-8368

The American Academy of Pediatrics

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child

Questions

1. Why would a mother NOT want to breastfeed?

2. Should breastfeeding in public be against the law?

3. Why do formula companies promote breastfeeding?

4. Why does the La Leche League exist? Where else could women learn about breastfeeding?

Resources

Huotari, C. (2006). Born To Learn. Retrieved February 1, 2007, from http://www.lalecheleague.org/cbi/bibborn.html

Labbok, M. (2000). What is the Definition of Breastfeeding? Retrieved February 1, 2007, from http://www.lalecheleague.org/ba/feb00.html

Leaven. (1997). A to Z: 26 Reasons to Nurse Your Baby. Vol. 33 No. 4, p. 90. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www.lalecheleague.ort/NB/LVAugSep97p90NB.html

Resources Con’t

Le Leche League. (2006). What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler? Retrieved February 1, 2007, from http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/advantagetoddler.html

National Immunization Survey, (2005). Breastfeeding Practices Results from the 2005 National Immunization Survey. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/NIS_data/data_2005.htm

United States Breastfeeding Committee. 2002. Benefits of Breastfeeding. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Publications.html

Bumper Stickers

I make milk…What’s your superpower?

Breast milk: It’s what’s for dinner

Breast milk: It’s not a choice, it’s a birthright.

Breast milk: 100% nutrition in a handy little package.

Bumper Stickers Con’t

Human milk for baby humans. Cow milk for baby cows.It’s not about my right to breastfeed. It’s about my child’s right to eat.If breastfeeding in public bothers you put a blanket over your head.My baby doesn’t like to eat in the bathroom. Do you?