Breastfeeding Not a Lifestyle Choice
Breastmilk is the most nutritious food in the world.
MedPage Today reports on a recently updated policy statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Every infant should begin life with six months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by another six months or longer with other foods gradually added to the child's diet, according to an updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics...
"Recently, published evidence-based studies have confirmed and quantitated the risks of not breastfeeding," authors representing the AAP Section on Breastfeeding wrote in conclusion in the March issue of Pediatrics.
"Thus, infant feeding should not be considered as a lifestyle choice, but rather as a basic health issue. As such, the pediatrician's role in advocating and supporting proper breastfeeding practices is essential and vital for the achievement of this preferred public health goal."
Some estimates have suggested that more than 900 infant deaths per year in the United States could be prevented if 90% of mothers breastfeed exclusively for six months, the authors wrote.
The effect on infant mortality is one of several positive outcomes linked to breastfeeding:
The guidelines also identify health benefits to the mother and benefits to society as a whole when children are exclusively breastfed. Exclusive means no water or other liquids, no formulas, and no food of any kind. Babies get everything they need to be their healthiest from breastmilk, and other foods or beverages only interfere. The guidelines note food may be added after six months, but there is no limit to how long mothers should breastfeed.
Very rare exceptions like an active tuberculosis infection in the mother or a mother undergoing radiation/chemotherapy were noted as acceptable reasons not to breastfeed. Pumping was recommended in cases when feeding is difficult.
Every infant should begin life with six months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by another six months or longer with other foods gradually added to the child's diet, according to an updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics...
"Recently, published evidence-based studies have confirmed and quantitated the risks of not breastfeeding," authors representing the AAP Section on Breastfeeding wrote in conclusion in the March issue of Pediatrics.
"Thus, infant feeding should not be considered as a lifestyle choice, but rather as a basic health issue. As such, the pediatrician's role in advocating and supporting proper breastfeeding practices is essential and vital for the achievement of this preferred public health goal."
Some estimates have suggested that more than 900 infant deaths per year in the United States could be prevented if 90% of mothers breastfeed exclusively for six months, the authors wrote.
The effect on infant mortality is one of several positive outcomes linked to breastfeeding:
- 72% reduction in hospitalization for respiratory infections
- 64% reduction in the incidence of gastrointestinal infections
- 58% to 77% reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis
- 36% to 45% reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome
- 27% to 42% reduction in the incidence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema
- 52% reduction in the risk of celiac disease
- 31% reduction in the risk of inflammatory bowel disease
- 15% to 30% reduction in the incidence of obesity in adolescences and adulthood
- 15% to 20% reduction in the risk of childhood leukemia and lymphoma
The guidelines also identify health benefits to the mother and benefits to society as a whole when children are exclusively breastfed. Exclusive means no water or other liquids, no formulas, and no food of any kind. Babies get everything they need to be their healthiest from breastmilk, and other foods or beverages only interfere. The guidelines note food may be added after six months, but there is no limit to how long mothers should breastfeed.
Very rare exceptions like an active tuberculosis infection in the mother or a mother undergoing radiation/chemotherapy were noted as acceptable reasons not to breastfeed. Pumping was recommended in cases when feeding is difficult.
