Breastfeeding is both normal and natural

By MARIANNA WILMOTH and KYLA BERRETH
Published: December 1, 2008

We are a lactation consultant and local pediatrician responding to an article featured in Positive Parenting’s Fall 2008 issue entitled, “Breast or bottle, a matter of choice.” (Oct. 30, page 15).

We certainly agree that a mother’s method of feeding her baby is her choice, but we feel that every woman should have all the correct facts concerning bottle vs. breast feeding so that she can make the right choice for her and her baby.

Breast milk contains more that 100 nutrients that formula companies will never be able to include in their products. Formula choices are plentiful because they account for more than 30 percent of food allergies found in children, so soy and lactose-free products are made to counteract some of these allergic reactions. Shelf life of unopened formula does not offset the benefit of having breast milk readily available at all times in perfect proportion, at the perfect temperature and in a clean container. Pumped breast milk can be frozen for long periods and, when thawed, is still the perfect food for the baby.

Breast milk is not “thought” to be the ideal form of nutrition for newborns, but is “known” to be the ideal form of nutrition as proven by scientific studies and research.

Colostrum, the first milk that is in mother’s breast from her fifth month of pregnancy, is considered the baby’s “first immunization,” as it contains important antibodies and white blood cells that protect the infant from infection in the early days when the baby’s immune system is very immature. This is an important feature of breastfeeding that bottle babies miss out on! Colostrum and mature breast milk help to fight against bacterial and viral infections that cause pneumonia, flu, staph infections, salmonella, diarrhea, vomiting, polio, ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and diaper rashes.

Visual acuity is higher in breastfed children. Breastfeeding aids in proper mouth, tooth and jaw development and promotes brain growth. Studies have found that breastfed children have higher IQs than formula-fed children. The incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is lower in breastfed babies. Breastfed babies are healthier adults who have a lower incidence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Breastfed babies respond better to immunizations.

These benefits are for all breastfeeding babies, not just preemies. Breastfeeding helps to prevent childhood obesity because these babies learn to respond appropriately to their hunger cues and stop eating when they are full. They also learn to eat a variety of foods because they get different flavors through breast milk instead of the one flavor that formula fed babies receive.

Breastfeeding has benefits for the mother also. Studies have shown that women who have breastfed have a lower incidence of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. During the postpartum period, breastfeeding helps the mother’s uterus to contract, controlling her bleeding and promoting the return of her uterus to its pre-pregnant state. Breastfeeding increases the mother’s metabolism and helps her to lose the weight she gained in her pregnancy.

Breastfeeding promotes mother-infant bonding but does not prevent father-infant bonding. Fathers of breastfed infants bond through holding, bathing, rocking, talking to or singing to their babies.

Fathers can feed infants pumped breast milk once the breastfeeding mother has a well-established milk supply — usually in about three weeks after delivery. With the money saved from not having to purchase bottles, nipples or formula, a good and reliable breast pump is affordable and enables breastfeeding mothers to continue giving their babies breast milk after returning to work.

Mastitis, or infection of the breast tissue, is an uncommon occurrence with breastfeeding and can easily be treated with antibiotics — with no interruption in breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a normal, natural method of feeding your baby and, with the right start, should not be difficult or uncomfortable. Danville Regional Medical Center has a full-time lactation consultant, breastfeeding-educated nurses and experienced pediatricians to assist new mothers with the experience and get them off to the right start. Free consultations and over-the-phone advice is available after discharge from the lactation consultant.

Breast milk is a priceless, precious gift that only a mother can give to her child. It is not a challenge, but a privilege, that is naturally given to almost every woman in her child-bearing years.

• Kyla Berreth, M.D., works at Children’s Healthcare in Danville. Marianna Wilmoth, R.N., is a lactation consultant at Danville Regional Medical Center.