Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding refers to the natural method by which a human mother feeds her child.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body produces hormones (progesterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, oxytocin, and human placental lactogen (HPL)) which stimulate the growth of the milk duct system in the breasts. By the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, the breasts are sufficiently developed to produce milk. Near the time of birth, the breasts may begin to secrete a thick, yellowish fluid called collostrum, which is the first milk the infant receives. The suckling action of the infant further stimulates the breast to produce mature breast milk, usually within three to five days. Thereafter the breast produces milk on a basis of supply and demand in response to how often a child feeds and how much milk he or she consumes. The exact content of breast milk is unknown, but the nutrient content is constant and draws its ingredients from the mothers food supply, and if that supply is found lacking, from the mother's bodily stores. Breast milk is climate specific, meaning that the ratio of water to fat fluctuates depending on the temperature of the mother's surroundings.

Numerous health benefits of breastfeeding have been medically documented.. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk, "Extensive research, especially in recent years, documents diverse and compelling advantages to infants, mothers, families, and society from breastfeeding and the use of human milk for infant feeding. These include health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental, psychological, social, economic, and environmental benefits."[1]

In addition to providing complete nutrition to a developing infant, breast milk transfers antibodies from the mothers body to the breastfeeding child, providing enhanced immunological protection. Breast milk consumption has also been linked to a decreased risk for several infant conditions including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The sucking technique required of the infant encourages the proper development of both the teeth and other speech organs.

Breastfeeding has also been shown to be beneficial to the mother. The act of breastfeeding releases hormones which have been found to both relax the mother and cause her to experience nurturing feelings toward her infant. Breastfeeding as soon as possible after giving birth increases levels of oxytocin which encourages a more rapid contraction of the uterus and in turn decreases postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding can also allow the mother to return to her pre-pregnant weight as the her fat stores accumulated during pregnancy are utilized in milk production. Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation and fertility (this is known as lactational amenorea) allowing for improved iron stores and the possibility of natural child spacing. Breastfeeding mothers experience improved bone re-mineralization postpartum, and a reduced risk for both ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides the following recommendation, "Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. [...] It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."[2]

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that "a recent review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond."[3]

There are certain women who for one reason or another are unable to breastfeed. These reasons include damage to the mammory glands through previous surgery, breast infection or breast abscess, cancer (especially of the breast), previous radiation treatment, or inadequate milk supply (which is uncommon).

In addition, a woman shouldn't breastfeed if she:

has certain infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS or active, untreated tuberculosis
has serious illnesses (heart disease or cancer, for example)
has eclampsia
has nephritis
has active herpes lesions on the breast
is severely malnourished
is taking certain medications that suppress the immune system
uses illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines

In the few cases where it is not possible for a mother to breastfeed, breast milk may be expressed and fed to an infant by bottle, milk may be offered from another breastfeeding woman, or if necessary, infant formula can be offered.

See also