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August 2017 Blog

AUGUST HEALTH BLOG

NATURAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH

There must be something beneficial to breastfeeding if the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) is committed to increasing breastfeeding rates throughout the United States and to promote and support optimal breastfeeding practices with the toward the ultimate goal of improving public health! Studies show that breastfeeding helps in reducing obesity and is more prevalent than most realize. What happened and why the surprise? Breastfeeding is a natural occurrence between a mother and child.

Deaths of children under the age of five could be prevented globally yearly with increased breastfeeding.^[7] Breastfeeding decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections and diarrhea, lowers the risk of asthma, food allergies, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and leukemia.^[3] Breastfeeding may also improve cognitive development and decrease the risk of obesity in adulthood.^[2]

Benefits for mom include less blood loss following delivery, better uterus shrinkage, weight loss, less postpartum depression, delays the return of menstruation and fertility, decreased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.^[3]^[7] Breastfeeding is less expensive than infant formula.^[9]^[10]

WHAT IF I CHOOSE NOT TO BREASTFEED?

I chose to breastfeed because I have built a strong immune system from healthy eating, supplements and exercise. I never get sick and I wanted to pass those traits to my daughter. And the plan worked, she has a strong immune system and seldom gets sick.

Are you worried that you won't be able to breastfeed? Women opt not to breastfeed for myriad reasons. Some cannot breastfeed because of anti-depressants or other medications that prevent healthy breastfeeding. Other moms could not make breastfeeding work because of infections, the body's inability to produce sufficient milk or because it is painful and unworkable. Others insisted on breastfeeding, only to find that they could not give their baby enough milk to help them put on weight and grow. Women who do not breast feed are faced with whispering the decision. The Surgeon General stated, "the decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and a mother should not be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed."

Other medical issues - Inverted, Flat, or Pierced Nipples - Inverted nipples retract inward toward the breast instead of protruding out. Flat nipples neither retract nor protrude but remain more or less flat. These issues can create problems during breastfeeding by making it more difficult for the baby to properly latch on to the breast or may impede the flow of milk. They are also more prone to injury of the nipple surface.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some nutrients in breast milk help to protect the infant against some childhood illnesses and infections. Health experts agree that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby.

Breastfeeding is also more convenient. You can breastfeed almost anywhere and anytime your baby is hungry. You do not need to make formula before feeding, worry about clean water, or carry it with you when you go out or travel. And you save money on formula, which can cost from $1500 or more a year.

Other benefits of breastfeeding:

Breast milk naturally has all the nutrients babies need to grow and develop.
Breast milk has antibodies that can help prevent your baby from getting sick.
Breastfeeding can help prevent health problems in your baby, such as allergies, eczema, ear infections, and stomach problems.
Breastfed babies are less likely to be hospitalized with breathing infections.
Breastfed babies are less likely to become obese or have diabetes.
Breastfeeding may help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers who breastfeed find it easier to lose weight after pregnancy.
Breastfeeding may help lower the risk for breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, and certain other diseases in mothers.

Breastfeeding and Work

It is easier than ever before to work and continue to breastfeed. Allowing women to breastfeed often leads to less missed time due to illness, and decreased turnover. Hourly workers eligible for overtime pay who work for companies with more than 50 employees are required by law to be given the time and a place to pump - “lactation rooms”.

Certain jobs make it hard to stick to a regular pumping schedule. If you have more than one job or if you travel for work, finding a place and time to pump and store milk may be hard. And, while some employers provide a comfortable place for mothers to pump milk, not all do.

Mothers who should not breastfeed include:

Have HIV or AIDS, as they can pass the virus to their baby.
Are taking certain medicines needed to treat ongoing health problem. If you take medicines for a health problem, ask your health care provider if it is still safe to breastfeed.
Have an alcohol or drug addiction.
It is safe to breastfeed your baby if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
If your nipples are cracked or bleeding, you should stop nursing. Express your milk and throw it away until your breasts heal.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN AID IN HEALTHY LACTATION:

Fenugreek - It was traditionally recommended for increasing milk production in nursing women and for the treatment of wounds, bronchitis, digestive problems, arthritis, kidney problems, and male reproductive conditions.
Milk Thistle - The seeds and leaves of milk thistle were used for medicinal purposes as well, such as treating jaundice and increasing breast milk production.
Mother’s Milk Tea – The herbs in this tea – fennel, anise, coriander, fenugreek, and blessed thistle are milk generators. Women have been successfully using these herbs to help them breastfeed.

As always consult with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements.