Breastfeeding - The Benefits

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?

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Breast milk is the ideal baby food. It has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrate, and fluids that new-born babies require.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing infection

On average, breastfed babies have fewer infections in their early life. In particular, they have less diarrhoea and vomiting, chest infections, and ear infections compared to babies who are not breast fed. The main reason for this is that antibodies and other proteins are passed in the breast milk from mother to baby. These help to protect against infection.

In developed countries such as the UK the reduction in the risk of infection is significant. In developing countries such as certain countries in Africa the reduction in the risk of infection is dramatic. For example, a review in 42 developing countries estimated that exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with partial breastfeeding continuing to 12 months, could prevent 1.3 million deaths each year in children under five years.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cot death

There is good evidence that sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) is less common in breastfed babies. This is not fully explained, although the fact that breastfed babies have fewer infections is possibly a contributing factor.

Developmental and emotional factors

One study reported that performance in childhood intelligence tests was better in children who had been breastfed compared to those who had been bottle fed. It is difficult to assess emotional factors, and no firm conclusions can be drawn. However, it is thought that breastfeeding enhances the 'bonding' process between baby and mother.

Advantages in long-term health

Many studies have looked at the possible long-term health benefits of breastfeeding. There is now good evidence that, on average, the following health problems in later life are less common in those who had been breast fed compared to those who had not:

• Obesity and overweight
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Eczema
• Diabetes
• Leukaemia
• Asthma

As mentioned, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides maximum benefit. However, there is still a reduction in the risk of developing the above diseases even in partial breastfed babies, and in those who breastfeed for a shorter time.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?

Advantages to health

Various studies have looked at the possible health benefits to women who have breastfed. There is now good evidence that, on average, the following health problems are less common in women who have breastfed one or more babies compared to those who have never breastfed:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Postnatal depression

Another health benefit for some mothers is that it is easier to lose weight after giving birth if you are breastfeeding.

Convenience

Breastfeeding is the most convenient method of feeding. There is no preparation time, and it is always available.

Financial

Breastfeeding is cheap. Actually, it is free!

Getting going with breastfeeding

Ideally, when you first start to breastfeed, it is best to have a trained person to watch and provide skilled help and support. For example, a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor. Getting the first few feeds right can make a huge difference to successfully getting established, and can prevent problems such as sore nipples, breast pain and poor milk supply. Some women try breastfeeding and give up after a few feeds because of such problems. Problems may well have been prevented by advice on things such as the correct positioning of the baby, etc.

Some common problems with breastfeeding

Breast discomfort and pain

Sore nipples

The most common cause of this is excess suction ('suction trauma') by a baby when the position for breast feeding is not ideal. The correct position when holding the baby enables the baby to have some breast tissue in their mouth. If the baby is held so that mainly just the nipple is in their mouth, then sore nipples are more likely to develop.

Sometimes a thrush infection of the nipple is the cause. In this situation the nipple may become sore, red and cracked. Your doctor may then prescribe treatment for thrush.

A blocked milk duct

A blocked milk duct sometimes occurs in breastfeeding women. A blocked milk duct can cause a painful swollen area in a breast. The overlying skin is sometimes red and inflamed, but not so intense as with mastitis (see below). When you feed the baby, the pain may increase due to the pressure of milk building up behind the blocked duct. A blocked milk duct will usually clear within 1-2 days and symptoms will then go. It may clear more quickly by feeding the baby more often from the affected breast and gently massaging the breast whilst feeding. However, in some cases a blocked milk duct becomes infected and develops into a mastitis.

Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast. Bacteria sometimes get into the milk ducts of the breast to cause the infection. This is often through a crack or sore in the nipple. Mastitis causes an area of hardness, pain, redness and swelling in the breast. It often starts in a section of breast near to the nipple. You may also develop a fever (high temperature) and feel unwell. Some cases of mastitis develop as a complication of a blocked milk duct, but some cases occur without a preceding blockage.

Mastitis is usually treated with a course of an antibiotic. However, a mild case may go without any treatment. If you notice a tender swollen area in a breast when you are breastfeeding, it may be a blocked milk duct or developing mastitis. It may be reasonable to 'see how it goes' over a day or so. However, if symptoms become worse then see a doctor who may prescribe an antibiotic. The infection will usually clear within a few days once you start the antibiotic.

Occasionally, an abscess may form inside an infected section of breast. An abscess is a collection of pus. This causes a firm, red, tender lump. The pus in a breast abscess needs draining with a needle and syringe.

Some other points about mastitis:

• If you are breastfeeding, continue to feed from the affected breast. This helps the milk to continue flowing and stops the breast from becoming engorged and making things worse. After each feed, try to express any remaining milk from the affected breast. Feeding from an infected breast does not harm the baby. (If the baby swallows bacteria from an infected breast, the bacteria will be killed by the acid in the baby's stomach.)
• The doctor will choose an antibiotic that is safe to give to breastfeeding women and will not harm the baby.
• You can take paracetamol to ease pain and reduce fever.
• A breastfeeding baby may refuse to feed from the affected breast as the taste of the milk may change a little. If this occurs, feed from the other breast. However, express the milk from the affected breast to keep the milk supply going.

Some worries about breastfeeding

If you have any worries or concerns about breastfeeding, then do talk to your health visitor or midwife. Most worries are unfounded, and difficulties can usually be overcome. Because it is important that you think seriously about breastfeeding, health visitors or midwives are only too pleased to discuss this issue.

Four common concerns are as follows:

"I have to go back to work soon - so is it worthwhile just for a short period of time?"

YES, even if you only breastfeed for a short period of time there are benefits. In particular, the advantage of preventing infection has a knock-on effect, and you will have given the baby valuable antibodies. But, if possible, try to continue breastfeeding for six months.

"Doesn't it tie me too much to the baby?"

Breastfeeding does require commitment and time. But, most mothers are happy to give this time for the benefits to the baby. One way of freeing up some time is to express some breast milk into containers. You can keep breast milk in a fridge for a short time. For example, you can use this if you have an evening out and you are happy for your baby to be fed breast milk from a bottle during the time you are away.

"The baby's father won't be able to feed."

There are many ways for fathers to be involved with their baby - holding, bathing, playing, and helping with caring for the baby in many other ways.

"It's too embarrassing and inconvenient whilst out."

Have you noticed that more shops and public places now provide mother and baby rooms to cater for breastfeeding mothers? Breastfeeding has become a much more accepted part of society.

Diet and breastfeeding

A normal healthy balanced diet is advised for breastfeeding mothers. In addition, a vitamin D supplement is recommended for all breastfeeding women and for breastfed babies. Ask your midwife or doctor for advice on a suitable supplement for you and your baby.

Further information

Contact your health visitor, midwife, or local breastfeeding support group if you have any problems. Other sources of support and information are:

La Leche League

Helpline (24hrs) 0845 120 2918 Web: www.laleche.org.uk

Breastfeeding Network

Tel (supportline): 0844 412 4664 Web: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

Tel (breastfeeding helpline): 08444 122 949 Web: www.abm.me.uk

Breastfeeding Information from the NHS

National Breastfeeding Helpline 0844 20 909 20 Web: www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk

National Childbirth Trust

Tel (Breastfeeding Line): 0870 444 8708 (7 days a week 8am - 10pm) Web: www.nct.org.uk

Maternal and Infant Nutrition - Information from the Department of Health

Web: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Maternity/Maternalandinfantnutrition/index.htm