Why Breastfeed? <3
The most common reason mothers probably choose to breastfeed is the knowledge that human milk is the superior infant food. It contains live cells, like those in blood. Some components of human milk also enhance the effects of others, so the ingredients of human milk work together. In contrast, only a small percentage of some ingredients of formula are absorbed; mixing ingredients in formula does not guarantee they will act together the way they do in human milk.
Human Milk Is Designed for Babies
Human milk is species-specific. The milk of each mammal species has adapted to supply its offspring with what is needed for optimal growth and survival. Some species' milks are relatively high in fat to lay down a thick layer of body fat, while those with high protein use it for rapid growth and maturation. Those species that need readily available sources of sugar to meet the needs of their rapidly growing brains have milk that is higher in carbohydrates. Humans are the slowest growing and maturing mammals, but also have the most advanced brains. So it makes sense that the protein content of human milk is relatively low while the level of carbohydrates is high.
Human milk contains levels of vitamins and minerals appropriate for the healthy, full-term, human infant. It is ever-changing -- from the beginning of the feeding to the end, from feeding to feeding, and from day to day. The infant provides many signals that stimulate some of the changes in his mother's milk. When following her infant's feeding cues, a mother can be assured that her child will benefit from those changes. For instance, if the milk taken at a particular feeding is lower in fat (fat is the most variable constituent of mother's milk), the infant will become hungry again sooner. If his cues are followed and he receives the next few feedings close together (cluster feeds), the higher fat milk he receives (fat content goes up when the breast is less full) will ensure his overall fat intake is adequate.
Human Milk Has Anti-Infective Properties
Breastfeeding mothers often notice that their children are sick less often than children who aren't breastfed. Human milk provides different kinds of defense against disease, including secretory antibodies against specific pathogens. It also contains lactoferrin, which not only is the source of iron for breastfed infants, but also appears to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Other components in human milk protect infants on a molecular level because their actual shape hinders certain pathogen's access to the infant.
Because human milk has protective qualities, infants who are not breastfed have more emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and treatments with antibiotics. The protective effects extend beyond weaning. (See the table below.)
Human milk offers immunological protection against many chronic diseases. According to Outcomes of Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding, compiled by Ginna Wall, MN, IBCLC, and Jon Ahrendsen, MD, FAAFP, human milk feeding is associated with less risk of the following diseases: celiac disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sudden infant death syndrome, childhood cancer, autoimmune thyroid disease, appendicitis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, helicobacter pylori infection (associated with gastric ulcers), Crohn's disease, colitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, tonsillitis, allergies, atopic disease, and asthma. (This comprehensive report can be found at
The mechanism of these apparent long-term immunologic benefits remains unclear, although theories abound. Human milk contains bioactive components that enhance the growth and development of the human infant.
One gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinine (CCK) signals sedation and a feeling of satiation and well-being. During suckling, CCK release in both mother and infant produces a sleepy feeling. The infant's CCK level peaks twice after suckling. The first peak occurs immediately after the feeding. It peaks again 30 to 60 minutes later. The first CCK rise is probably induced by suckling; the second by the presence of milk in the GI tract. The drop of infant CCK levels 10 minutes after a feeding implies a "window" within which the infant can be awakened to feed from the second breast or to reattach to the first side for additional fat-rich milk. Waiting 30 minutes after the feeding before laying the baby down takes advantage of the second CCK peak to help the infant to stay asleep.
Human Milk Contains Essential Fatty Acids
The essential fatty acids in human milk optimize cognitive function and vision. Studies have found that premature infants who received human milk via feeding tube were more advanced developmentally at 18 months and at seven to eight years of age than those of comparable gestational age and birth weight who had received formula by tube. Such observations suggest that human milk has a significant impact on the growth of the central nervous system. Also, breastfed infants have higher visual acuity. These benefits of human milk can be attributed to the presence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Although some formulas have recently added these ingredients, it is unknown if they will have similar effects long-term.
The hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells, and essential fatty acids are just some of the reasons why human milk is the vastly superior infant food. It is a truly unique substance that cannot be copied artificially.
.) Health Problem | Minimum Length
of Breastfeeding | Length of Protection | Source |
Diarrhea | 13 weeks | 7 years | Howie 1990 |
Otitis Media | 4 months | 3 years | Duncan et al. 1993 |
Respiratory Infections | 15 weeks | 7 years | Wilson et al. 1998 |
Wheezing bronchitis | — | 6-7 years | Burr et al. 1993;
Porro et al. 1993 |
Haemophilus influenza,
type b | — | 10 years | Silfverdal et al. 1997 |
Hodgkin's Disease | 6 months | Not specified | Davis, 1998 |
What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler?
Breastfeeding a toddler helps with the child's ability to mature. Although some experts say a toddler who is not weaned will have difficulty becoming independent, it's usually the fearful, clingy children that have been pushed into situations requiring too much independence too soon. A breastfeeding toddler is having his dependency needs met. The closeness and availability of the mother through breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help toddlers grow emotionally.Breastfeeding can help a toddler understand discipline as well. Discipline is teaching a child about what is right and good, not punishment for normal toddler behavior. To help a toddler with discipline, he needs to feel good about himself and his world. Breastfeeding helps a toddler feel good about himself, because his needs are being met.
Just as babies do, toddlers receive health benefits from breastfeeding. Your milk continues to provide immunities and vitamins, and can help protect your toddler from illness and allergies. If your toddler does get sick, nursing will help comfort him. In fact, a toddler with an upset stomach may be able to tolerate nothing but human milk.
Toddlers have a huge world to explore, and breastfeeding provides them (and their mothers!) with some quiet time in their busy, waking hours.
If breastfeeding is so natural, why doesn't it seem to come naturally?
That's a good question! Before your baby arrives, it seems like all you need to do is put the baby to the breast, let him or her attach, and away you go. But in reality, it's not always so simple. True, some babies do just go right to the breast, and never experience any problems. But many of us need some help. In times gone by, before the 20th century, when every mother breastfed and families weren't so mobile, you'd turn to your mother, grandmother, or aunt for breastfeeding help.
Unfortunately, today we've lost that breastfeeding community. That's where La Leche League steps in to fill the gap. Pick up a copy of the WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, our breastfeeding guide. Breastfeeding really is a learned art.
If you're pregnant, try to think beyond the labor and birth of your baby, to the months of breastfeeding ahead of you. While you're pregnant is a good time to prepare, by going to several La Leche League meetings. It will help you build your support network A little preparation will reap long-term benefits! Learn what is a normal newborn behavior and what is a potential problem (for example, the "good" baby who sleeps all the time, and isn't waking to feed).
What do I have to do to prepare my breasts for breastfeeding? I have heard things like "roughing them up" is a good way to prepare them so they won't hurt.
There is very little you need to do to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.
"Roughing up" the nipples by rubbing them with a towel is no longer recommended. It has been found that doing so can remove the protective substances produced by the breast during pregnancy and afterwards. Instead, you might want to try some gentle breast massage. This can help you become more comfortable handling your breasts, and may also be useful later on if you need to express your milk. Information on breast massage can be found in the book THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, available from LLL Groups or from the LLL catalog. It is a good idea to check for flat or inverted nipples while you are pregnant, as this can sometimes make it a bit more difficult for a baby to latch on to the nipple correctly. You can speak to your local LLL Leader (before your baby is born) about how to check for inverted nipples and how to deal with them. But these are rare, so don't worry if you know they are not inverted. Your doctor could tell you also.
It's possible that you have heard that breastfeeding will make your nipples sore. In most cases, sore nipples are caused by poor positioning or improper latch.
Lotions are generally not necessary. Your nipples are already producing what they need for their protection. If you have a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, you may wish to ask your dermatologist what you can use. Be sure to tell the doctor you will be breastfeeding, as that can make a difference in the type of treatment prescribed. Also, do not use soap on your breasts, as this can dry them out. When you bathe or shower, rinsing with clear water is fine. If your nipples are very dry, you may wish to apply a lubricant.
Cracked and bleeding nipples are not a normal sign of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not meant to be painful - if it is, you need to find out why, and correct it. The main cause of sore nipples is improper positioning. The baby should be face to nipple, and tummy to tummy with you. The baby's chin should be just below the nipple, and the the baby needs to open wide to take in a good mouthful. See Positioning.
