The mother also benefits from breastfeeding too. Mothers have less post-partum bleeding due to the natural release of oxytocin during breastfeeding. In addition, mothers experience a faster rate of weight loss back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Studies also show that there is a decreased incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and possible decreased risk of osteoporosis. Overall, there are benefits to the mother that extend beyond the breastfeeding period.
Breastfeeding also benefits society as a whole. It has been estimated that $3.6 billion per year can be saved in health care costs. Also, there are decreased costs for supplemental formula programs such as WIC, fewer employee absenteeism due to infant illnesses, and less environmental waste due to cans and bottles. These savings can be used in other programs promoting health wellness as opposed curing illnesses.
Breast feeding Facts and Myths
There are only a few conditions when breast feeding should be stopped.
- Infants with Galactosemia.
- Mothers with active untreated tuberculosis
- Mothers with HIV
- Mothers who received radioactive material for treatment or diagnostic purposes. (feeding may resume once radioactive material is cleared from the milk)
- Mothers who received chemotherapy. (feeding may resume after the medications has cleared from the milk)
- If the mother is taking any medication, it should be cleared with the Pediatrician before continuing breastfeeding.
There are conditions that are acceptable for breast feeding:
- Mothers who are positive for Hepatitis B or C
- Mothers with fevers (usually common viral infections)
- Tobacco smoking should be discouraged but does not prevent smoking
- Alcohol drinking should be avoided but an occasional drink should be okay as long as you wait 2 hours.
- Newborn jaundice should not be a reason to stop breastfeeding; only in rare cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia should breastfeeding should be stopped.
Breast Milk Pumping and Storage
Breast feeding can be difficult especially if the mother needs to work. In these situations, a breast pump can be used to collect the milk for later feeding with a bottle. Breast pumps come in manual , battery , and electric models. Manual and battery operated models tend to be slower and electric models are more powerful and faster. To increase the amount of milk, pumping 3-4 times a day between regular breastfeeding; this causes the body to produce more milk. Once the milk has been pumped, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours or a freezer for 30 days. To thaw the milk, place the container under warm (not hot) running water for about 10 minutes. Afterwards gently shake the container to remix the separated fat into the milk. Never thaw milk in a microwave, the milk may develop hot spots that can but your infant’s mouth; in addition, microwaving may destroy some of the breast milk properties. Thawed out milk can be refrigerated but must be used within 24 hours. Discard unused milk; never re-freeze for later use.
Breastfeeding Issues
Breastfeeding can cause some problems such as breast pain, nipple soreness, and clogged milk ducts. Sore nipples are normal in the first weeks of breastfeeding. The initial soreness is usually due to a poor latching technique. Usually the soreness would resolve on its own; however, if the soreness occurs after a few weeks, the cause may be due to an infection. The most common cause of infection is usually a candidal infection. To prevent nipple soreness, try to put more breast tissue into the baby’s mouth. Problems occur when the baby bites down on the nipple instead of the areola. There are temporary fixes like using a pump and bottle-feeding the breast milk or using a nipple shield to protect the nipple.nipple shields should be used for a very short time because studies have shown that shields decrease the amount of milk available to the baby. Some techniques involve repositioning the baby, feeding before the baby is very hungry. To heal sore nipples, express a small amount of milk after breastfeeding and rub it on the nipple to soften the skin. Another method is to prevent moist nipples in-between feedings by using pads to absorb leaking breast milk between feedings. Blocked ducts can cause breast pain, there is an area of firmness or localized bump under the areola. This is relieved by frequent breast feeding and warm, moist compresses over the nipples. Rarely, a type of infection called mastitis can occur. This is usually associated with fever, generalized one-sided breast pain, redness, and body aches. A physician should be consulted and treated with antibiotics. Breastfeeding Timing
Infants can be fed mostly breast milk during the first year of life. Baby food can be introduced at about 6 months of life. Starting solids earlier can increase the risk to food allergies later in life. After the first year of life, most of the nutrition should be from solid foods with breast milk as a supplement. The current recommendation is to breastfeed for the first 2 years of life. An excellent book on breastfeeding is The Nursing Mother’s Companion. Also see our section on Taking Care of Baby for information on this topic and other great information and tips for new parents. For more items related to breastfeeding and other baby needs visit Amazon.com Baby Store.
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