Benefits of Breastfeeding Tina Hinrichs Spring 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 Child PHYSICAL 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 Child COGNITIVE 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 Child SOCIAL 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 of Children Ever Breastfed

Percentage of Children Breastfed at 3 Months of Age

Percentage of Children Breastfed at 6 Months of Age

Percentage of Children Breastfed at 12 Months of Age

Reasons to NOT Breastfeed HIV infected T-Cell leukemia virus type 1 Hepatitis C Illicit drug use Implants and breast surgery Metabolic disorders Pharmaceutical drugs Tobacco and alcohol consumption

Complimentary Book Contact State Farm Insurance 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 Labbok, M. (2000). What is the Definition of Breastfeeding? Retrieved February 1, 2007, from Leaven. (1997). A to Z: 26 Reasons to Nurse Your Baby. Vol. 33 No. 4, p. 90. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from

Resources Con’t Le Leche League. (2006). What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler? Retrieved February 1, 2007, from National Immunization Survey, (2005). Breastfeeding Practices Results from the 2005 National Immunization Survey. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from United States Breastfeeding Committee Benefits of Breastfeeding. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from

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?