New Study Shows Breastfeeding Can Save Lives and Money
Saves lives and money
New Study Shows Breastfeeding Can Save Lives and Money According to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, nearly 1,000 infant lives would be spared annually, and $13 billon in incurred health care costs saved, if most new moms breastfed their child for the first six months of life.
In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are all in agreement that a diet of only breastmilk is ideal for children up to the age of six months. The World Health Organization also asserts that this practice is the key to achieving optimal growth, health, and development.
A mother's milk has a host of benefits for both mother and baby. Breastmilk is easy for babies to digest, and contains antibodies that can protect them from bacterial and viral infections. Research has suggested breastmilk can help prevent some serious and costly childhood illnesses, such as stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, and type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. It has also been shown to help reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
According to the CDC, health benefits extend to the mother as well. Research has shown that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.
Although a mother's milk is valuable for all babies, premature babies may have the most to gain from breastfeeding. Preemie deaths are most often caused by:
Studies show breastfeeding can reduce these risks, as well as seven other illnesses that have been linked to deaths among premature babies.
How to increase breastfeeding ratesBreastfeeding can be a difficult and demanding commitment for new moms. Some find it impossible to do so due to physical limitations or other demands, such as working. But the Pediatrics study reports that if 90 percent of mothers breastfed exclusively for six months, we would see tremendous survival and financial benefits. Currently, the CDC reports that 74 percent of women start breastfeeding. Of those 74 percent, 33 percent exclusively breastfeed for three months, and the number drops to 14 percent at six months.
Researchers suggest that pressure to increase the breastfeeding rates should not be placed on new moms, but instead should fall on medical professionals. The study stresses the importance of new mothers getting adequate encouragement and support before and after the birth, and recommends medical professionals do the following:
For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to overcome breastfeeding obstacles, visit La Leche League International at http://www.llli.org/.
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