The Benefits of Breastfeeding
written by Janna Stephan, CNM

We strongly encourage our women to breastfeed their babies.  It is recommended that women breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months of life, as well as continuing beyond the addition of solid foods after six months.   Recently, there has been further research demonstrating all the benefits of breastfeeding to women, babies, and families. 

For babies:

Components of breastmilk, including proteins, fats, growth factors, and maternal antibodies promote the development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as protecting babies from infections.  As a result, babies who are breastfed have lower rates of diarrhea and vomiting.   

The frequency and duration of respiratory illness have also been shown to be decreased in breast-fed babies. Ear infections are less common in babies that are breast-fed. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces urinary tract infections in babies. Breastfeeding promotes visual function in babies, as the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) present in human milk promotes development of the brain and eye structures. 

The benefits of breastfeeding can persist beyond the initial newborn period while breastfeeding, and contribute toward continued health benefits throughout childhood and adulthood.   These additional benefits appear to be linked to the duration of breastfeeding, ie, the longer a woman breastfeeds her baby, the greater the long term health benefits for the child. For children who were breastfed, there are reduced rates of obesity, childhood cancers, type 1 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.  In addition, breastfeeding may contribute to reducing a child's risk of illnesses related to allergies. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may contribute to cognitive and intellectual advantages in children.  However, this area can benefit from further research. 

For women: Breastfeeding promotes the recovery from childbirth, by releasing the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the uterus resuming its pre-pregnant size. Oxytocin and other hormones released while breastfeeding also promotes mother/infant bonding and can reduce a new mother's response to stress. Breastfeeding requires more energy, causing new moms to burn more calories, which can promote a woman's weight loss after the birth.

Ovulation is delayed in women who breastfeed, which means that for those that exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, it is an option for postpartum contraception and spacing one's children (although it is not the most reliable method!). Benefits of breastfeeding persist beyond the first months of motherhood.  There have been numerous studies that show that the risk of breast and ovarian cancer is reduced in women who have breastfed.  In addition, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower the rate of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease after menopause.  Some data suggests that breastfeeding may contribute to a reduction in the risk for osteoporosis, although further studies are needed to determine if this is the case. 

For families: Families can save money by breastfeeding their children.  A conservative estimate is that buying infant formula costs a family about $1000 / year.  In addition, because breastfed babies get sick less often, families save money on co-pays for medical appointments and medicines to treat illnesses in their children.

References:
Schanler R. "Maternal and economic benefits of breastfeeding," retrieved from uptodate.com, last updated April, 2009.

Schanler R. "Infant benefits of breastfeeding," retrieved from uptodate.com, last updated August 2009.