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The Advantages of Breastfeeding
It’s generally recognized that breastfeeding provides countless
benefits for newborn babies. As new mothers are reminded time and again,
breast milk is best: not only is it always clean and at the correct
temperature, it acts as a natural tranquilizer. Breastfed babies tend
to have stronger immune systems; less diarrhea and constipation; fewer
colds and ear infections; better vision; and lower rates of infant mortality
and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The benefits don’t stop
with the end of infancy, either. As kids, breastfed babies have healthier
jaw and tooth development, lower rates of respiratory illness and Crohn’s
disease, and fewer childhood cancers; as adults, they are less likely
to develop heart disease, multiple sclerosis and breast cancer.
Are Breastfed Babies Smarter?
Recent research suggests a possible link between breastfeeding and childhood
IQ. A March 2002 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found
that infants who were breastfed exclusively until the age of 6 months
scored higher on IQ tests as 5-year-olds than did children who had had
formula or solids as babies. Many doctors believe that certain nutrients
in breast milk (DHA and other fats, for example) contribute to brain
growth and development. Of course, no study could absolutely prove that
mothers who breastfeed will have more intelligent children, but this
one certainly has some powerful implications. According to Dr. Duane
Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, the NIH study “provides strong evidence that breastfeeding
for the first six months benefits the cognitive development of both
small and normal-size infants.”
Payoff for New Moms
Amidst all this overwhelming research, it might seem that infants are
the only ones who prosper from breastfeeding. But don’t be fooled!
Many doctors believe that mothers who breastfeed reap health benefits
of their own. Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National
Institutes of Health and the University of Michigan Health System suggest
that women who breastfeed are at a lower risk for developing breast,
ovarian and uterine cancer, and that they develop osteoporosis less
frequently. Breastfeeding promotes faster weight loss after birth (since
it takes 500 extra calories to build and maintain a milk supply), stimulates
the uterus to contract and return to normal size, and leads to fewer
urinary tract infections and less postpartum bleeding. Doctors also
believe it leads to increased calmness, self-esteem and confidence,
since the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin are produced.
“Mother’s Own Milk”™:
The Facts
The M.O.M. Mother’s Own Milk™ Survey, conducted by PKS Research
Partners and sponsored by Playtex Products, Inc., found that 75 percent
of women with children under 5 have breastfed their kids. Of the 300
mothers interviewed, those surveyed indicated the following reasons
for breastfeeding:
-100 percent: health benefits to the baby.
-94 percent: good way to bond with your child.
-71 percent: health benefits to the mother.
-69 percent: cheaper than formula.
-63 percent: recommendation of healthcare professional.
-60 percent: more convenient than formula.
-52 percent: good way to lose weight after pregnancy.
Transitioning Back to the Working World
The Playtex M.O.M™ Survey found that 50 percent of breastfeeding
mothers returned to work when their babies were less than 3 months old,
but that only 15 percent of their companies provided a dedicated lactation
room for expressing milk. But this shouldn’t keep breastfeeding
mothers who worked before they gave birth from heading back to their
jobs. The Breastfeeding Book (Little, Brown & Co.) by Martha Sears,
RN, and William Sears, M.D., suggests waiting at least six weeks before
returning to work. Two weeks ahead of time, the new mother should practice
with her breast pump and begin freezing her milk. Her baby should get
used to having someone else provide the breast milk in a bottle. Establishing
a routine is important, too; mothers should nurse before leaving home
and again before leaving the caregiver. They also suggest visiting and
feeding the baby during lunch breaks, if possible, and nursing after
work and on demand in the evening and throughout the night.
Avoiding Workplace Woes
Mothers who return to work but still want to breastfeed should always
remember: it’s illegal to discriminate against a woman because
she’s breastfeeding. It is important to remind employers that
breastfed babies are healthier, which means that their mothers need
to take fewer sick days to care for them. If you’re heading back
to your job, get your boss’s approval ahead of time to pump your
breasts on breaks and during your lunch (plan for this to take about
10-15 minutes). Milk can be stored in a small cooler in the refrigerator.
Experts suggest that working moms give breastfeeding at least a 30-day
trial period; ideally, they recommend that babies are breastfed for
the first year of life.
Daycare Do’s and Don’ts
When you return to your job, it’s crucial to have a caregiver
or daycare center that’s supportive of breastfeeding. Make arrangements
before your baby is born, and talk to other mothers whose children are
in the program. Leave your baby at the daycare center for several short
periods so that the caregivers and your child can get to know one another,
and agree in advance about what they should use as a substitute if they
run out of the breast milk you’ve pumped. Leave simple written
instructions on how to thaw and warm your milk, and be sure to show
your appreciation for how hard the staff of the daycare center is working.
The more confident you are about the people taking care of your children,
the easier it’ll be for you to get through the work day.
Just For Breastfeeding Moms
In order to facilitate women’s efforts to breastfeed efficiently
and effectively for as long as their babies need them to, Playtex has
launched the M.O.M. Mother’s Own Milk™ Program. Participants
receive educational materials about breastfeeding in the mail, including
practical breastfeeding tips and suggestions to help working mothers
continue breastfeeding. Lactation professionals can sign up for free
by calling (800)830-1777 or by e-mailing info@momprogram.net.
Rebecca Louick is an editorial intern.
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