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Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Baby

As more Americans are making budget-conscious and health-conscious purchasing decisions, many new moms may be considering costs, convenience, and nutritional value as they decide between breastfeeding their babies or bottle-feeding with formula. There are many reasons why a mom may choose breastmilk over formula – or vice versa. But moms need to know this: you should choose the option that works best for YOU. If you’re able to do either, keep reading to learn how breastfeeding your child can affect his or her health not only as a newborn but also potentially into adulthood.

The Costs:
Moms who formula feed exclusively should expect to pay around $1500-$2000 a year for basic formula plus bottles, nipples, bags, etc. (Those costs will be higher if you need hypoallergenic or specialty formula.) With the cost of formula rising – along with recent potential safety concerns and shortages of baby formula – moms may be leaning toward breastfeeding their babies. And, according to the Cleveland Clinic, breastfeeding has a number of important health benefits for babies.

The Benefits:
Did you know that breast milk provides all of the nutrients a baby needs to grow and develop? And the composition of your breast milk adapts with your baby’s changing needs as he grows! Your breastmilk
  • is easier for your baby’s immature tummy to digest.
  • has antibodies that support your baby’s immune system and help to protect her against infection.
  • has the right combination of protein, fat, sugar, water, vitamins, and minerals for his development and adapts to his growing needs.
  • promotes healthy weight gain.
  • contains substances to soothe your baby naturally.

The Cleveland Clinic also says breastfed babies are healthier in general with fewer pediatrician visits and/or hospitalizations. In fact, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of the following conditions:
  • diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and necrotizing enterocolitis (which can happen in premature babies)
  • pneumonia, RSV, and whooping cough
  • ear infections
  • bacterial meningitis
  • asthma
  • SIDS
  • childhood obesity
  • eczema
  • childhood leukemia
  • cavities
  • celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
  • and even Type 2 diabetes later in life

Johns Hopkins adds that the skin-to-skin contact moms and babies have when breastfeeding benefits babies by
  • calming them
  • keeping them warm
  • stabilizing their blood sugar, heart rates, and breathing
  • promoting brain development

Some studies suggest breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores, but other organizations argue studies have not confirmed that breastfed babies are smarter than their formula-fed counterparts. Studies do agree, however, that breastfeeding has a positive long-term effect on brain and behavioral development.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists further adds that premies who are breastfed have a lesser risk of many short and long-term health problems.

So – I’m convinced to try breastfeeding. How long should I do it?

Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatricians and the World Health Association recommend that moms try to breastfeed exclusively for six months. Then, as you begin to introduce solid foods, continue to supplement with breastmilk for up to one or even two years. Johns Hopkins points out that, unless you have a medical issue, your baby does not need any other food than breastmilk in his first six months.

Of course, maintaining a breastfeeding schedule is easier if you are a stay-at-home mom or on maternity leave from your job. Some moms find it challenging to continue breastfeeding when they return to the workforce – especially if they do not have break times of private areas to pump and store breastmilk. If you find you need to stop breastfeeding exclusively before the recommended six months, know that
  • 3 months of breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of stomach flu, diarrhea, and ear infections in his first year.
  • 4 months of breastfeeding reduces the risk of hospitalization for RSV and other respiratory infections.
  • 6 months of breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood cancer.
So your baby can experience many health benefits of breastmilk even if you aren’t able to breastfeed exclusively for six months or longer.

We also want to stress this: It is absolutely ok if you pump and then bottle feed your baby with breast milk, especially if you’re exclusively using breast milk. Your baby will get all of the nutritional and health benefits from the milk – and from the bonding if you are cuddling your baby as you would if she were nursing.

I’ve tried – really – but I can’t breastfeed. What do I do now?

Unfortunately, some moms just can’t breastfeed their babies. Mom or baby may have health or other issues such as low milk supply, severe latching issues, and more that prevent nursing – or prevent exclusive nursing. If that is your situation, you may want to talk with a lactation consultant who may be able to help. Your doctor can also recommend the best type of formula for you to give your baby.  Your doctor may also be able to recommend a credible breast milk bank where you can get donated breast milk to feed your child. (Note: Do NOT buy breast milk online or from individual sellers!)

So breastmilk contains amazing health benefits and protections for your child. It’s less expensive than formula. It’s more convenient when you’re at home or out and about with your child (you can always take a drape if you’re uncomfortable nursing in public). But, it may be harder to continue to breastfeed if you’re working, and you may have to plan ahead to pump if you’re planning for a night out or a weekend away. The bottom line is this: you should do what works best for you, your baby, and your situation. As long as you’re loving your child and providing him with the nourishment – physically and emotionally – that he needs, it will be ok.

This is the first in a 3-part series on breastfeeding. Join us for part two where we’ll examine how breastfeeding benefits moms and in part three where will look at how to properly store pumped milk for later use.

One by One provides mentors to pregnant and new moms looking for support. Mentors provide friendship and support, parenting strategies, and baby growth, development, health, and safety information. Click here if you'd like to request a One by One mentor.
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