Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to provide optimal nutritional, immunological, and emotional nurturing for the growth and development of infants in the US [1, 2]. The unique and unequaled nutrients, enzymes, growth factors, hormones,immunological, and anti inflamatory properties of human milk help protect infants from respiratory disease, otitis media, gastroenteritis, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome [3-7]. Beyond infancy, the proper ties of breastmilk contribute to protection against childhood cancers, insulin dependent diabetes, allergy, and Crohn’s disease [8-11]. Breastfed infants show improved cognitive development [12-13].

Breastfeeding contributes to women’s health by offering protection for some women against breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis, and by increasing spacing between pregnancies [14-17].

Breastfeeding is a basic human right. For women, breastfeeding enhances a woman’s self esteem and body image. It is an empowering experience which strengthens the health and well being of the next generation of entire populations. For children, breastfeeding fulfills the right to attain the highest standard of health [18].

Breastfeeding provides positive economic advantages to both families and societies. It ensures a safe, secure, and self-reliant food source that is ecologically sound, nutritionally efficient, and complete. The improved health status of both infants and mothers as a result of breastfeeding means substantial savings in health care costs [19].

Breastfeeding exclusively to the age of about six months, then continuing breastfeeding and complementary foods for up to two years or beyond is the optimal method for feeding infants and young children.

Breastfeeding prevalence in the US is variable. Of great concern are the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding, and initiation rates that remain low among regional and socioeconomic groups. While approximately one half of new mothers initiate some amount of breastfeeding, less than one quarter of these mothers are still breastfeeding at six months [20].

In order to meet the national health goals for 2010, of 75% initiation rate, 50% continuation of breastfeeding to six months, and 25% continuation to one year [21], breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support are needed from all sectors of society, including all levels of government, health professional association, health care institutions, health professionals, public facilities, work sites, educational institutions, women’s groups, unions, parent groups, religious organizations, social agencies, and individuals.

1. American Academy of Pedicatrics, Committee on Nutrition: Encouraging breastfeeding. Pediatrics 1980; 65:657-658
2. Lawrence RA: The pediatrician’s role in infant feeding decision-making. Pediatric Review 1993; 14:265-272
3. Cunningham AS, Jelliffe DB, Jelliffee EFP: Breastfeeeding and health in the 1980s: a global epidemiologic review. Journal of Pediatrics 1991; 118:659-666
4. Golman AS: The immune system of human milk: antimicrobial, antinflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 1993; 12:664-671
5. Sassen M, Brand R, Grote J: Breastfeeding and acute otitis media. American Journal of Otolaryngology 1994; 15:351-357
6. Howie PW, Forsyth JS, Ogston SA, et al: Protective effect of breastfeeding against infection. British Medical Journal 1990; 300: 11-16
7. Ford RP, et al: Breastfeeding and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. International Journal of Epidemiology 1993: 22:885-890
8. Davis MK, Savitz DA, Hamman RF, Gay ED, Grawbar BI, et al: Infant feeding and childhood cancer. Lancet 1988; Aug 13:365-368
9. Mayer EJ, Hamman RF, Gay ED, et al: Reduced risk of IDDM among breastfed children. Diabetes 1988; 37:1625-1632
10. Saarinen UM, Kajosaari M: Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet 1995; 346: 1065-1069
11. Koletzko S, et al: Role of infant feeding practices in development of Crohn’s disease in childhood, British Medical Journal 1989; 298: 1617-1618
12. Greene LC, Lucas A, Livingstone MBE, et al: Relationship between early diet and subsequent cognition performance during adolescence. Biochemical Society Transactions 1995; 23:376S
13. Agostoni C, Trojan S, Bellu R, et al: Neurodevelopmental quotient of healthy term infants at 4 months and feeding practice: the role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Pediatric Research 1995; 38:262-266
14. Newcomb PA, et al: Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine 1994L 330:81-87
15. Rosenblatt KA, Thomas DB and the WHO collaborative study of neoplasia and steroid contraceptives. Lactation and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. International Journal of the American Medical Association 1993; 269:3130-3136
16. Sowers M, et al: Changes in bone density and lactation. Journal of the American Medical Association 1993; 269:3130-3136
17. Kennedy KI, Visness CM: Contraceptive efficacy of lactational amenorrhea. Lancet 1992; 339:968-970
18. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 24. United Nations General Assembly, Nov 20, 1989
19. Labbok MH: Costs and savings of breastfeeding in the US. Presented at the International Lactation Consultant Association annual conference, July 14, 1995
20. Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories. Updated breastfeeding trend 1987-1995
21. US Department of Health & Human Services. Healthy People 2010: National health promotion and disease prevention objectives. Washington, DC: January 2000
22. WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, World Health Assembly: Geneva, Switzerland, 1981
23. WHO/UNICEF: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding: the special role of maternity services. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO/UNICEF, 1989