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Benefits of Breast Feeding
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The American Academy of Pediatrics states in their 1997 policy
statement on breastfeeding, "Human milk is uniquely superior for
infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options
differ markedly from it. The breastfed infant is the reference or
normative model against which all alternative feeding methods must
be measured with regard to growth, health, development, and all other
short- and long-term outcomes."
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Lactation Consultant Services Home
About Our Staff
Getting Started Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Positions
Comfort Measures
Breastfeeding Log
Patient Teaching: Use of Reglan
Patient Teaching: Yeast
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BENEFITS TO INFANTS:
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Protective effects against or decreased incidence and/or severity of
- Diarrhea
- Lower respiratory infections (i.e. RSV)
- Otitis media (middle ear infections)
- Bacteremia (bacterial infection in the blood)
- Botulism (a severe form of food poisoning)
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial meningitis
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (severe bowel infection usually found in premature infants)
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Diabetes
- Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease)
- Ulcerative Colitis (chronic digestive disease)
- Lymphoma and other childhood cancers
- Allergies
- Metabolic diseases
- Enhanced immune response to vaccines
- Enhanced cognitive development—Higher IQ scores (an average of 8.5 points higher)
- According to the American Dental Association, breastfed infants have fewer cavities, better jaw development, and fewer orthodontic problems later in life.
BENEFITS TO MOTHERS:
- Less uterine bleeding after birth
- Delayed resumption of ovulation and optimal child spacing
- Provides protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis (i.e. hip fractures)
- Decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer
- Promotes weight loss after birth
- Improved glucose metabolism and reduced insulin requirements for diabetic mothers
BENEFITS TO FAMILIES:
- Less costly than formula (formula can cost a minimum of $1,000 per year)
- Average of $1,400 less in health care costs per year
BENEFITS TO SOCIETY:
- Reduced health care costs and less insurance claims due to healthier children
- Reduction in employee absenteeism for ill children
- Human milk uses no natural resources and generates no industrial waste
References available upon request.
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