Many of you know how near and dear
breastfeeding is to me (literally!) and since this is the month for breast
cancer awareness (and pink of course!), I thought an article about the benefits
of breastfeeding quite appropriate.
I’ll start by saying that there are
WAY too many benefits to list in one blog, but I’ll hit some of the highlights.
REDUCTION IN BREAST CANCER RISK. Few people even know about this
amazing benefit. Sources vary as to the specific percentage that breast cancer
risk is reduced, but all sources agree that the longer you breastfeed, the
greater the protection. The World Health Organization and La Leche League
International, the world’s foremost authority on breastfeeding, agree that
mothers should try to breastfeed for the first TWO YEARS of a child’s life.
Many countries breastfeed their children until they are 4 or 5, but cultural
taboos and formula companies have undermined breastfeeding attempts in the
United States, bringing our breastfeeding numbers down significantly. Additional
benefits include a reduced risk of breast cancer in breastfed baby girls, and a
risk reduction in other reproductive cancers, such as ovarian and uterine.
BREASTMILK IS NATURE’S VACCINE. Breastmilk is loaded with immune
boosting cells and antibodies from the mother. If mom has a cold, then she will
create antibodies and pass them, through her breastmilk, to her infant and
either keep them from getting sick, or keep them from getting AS SICK (a milder
version of the illness). Also, it goes the other way. If baby gets sick first,
mom will be exposed and once again, she will make antibodies to help boost
baby’s immune system. An infant’s immune system isn’t mature until the age of
2, which is the reason for recommending breastfeeding for the first two years
of life. After the first year, breastmilk contains even MORE immune fighting
cells since by this age, babies are getting most of their nutrition through foods
and not from mom. A mother’s body KNOWS this and packs breastmilk FULL of
nutrients and immune cells. How amazing is that?!
This same immune boost for our
children is good news for employers of breastfeeding moms as well! Breastfed
children are sick less often so a parent misses work less often. Add
chiropractic to that and you’ve got a recipe for an awesome immune system!
REDUCED RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS. Women who breastfeed their babies
also have a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis. During pregnancy and
breastfeeding, the body innately knows to increase absorption of calcium from
food we eat. What a bonus!
Again, this is the tip of the
iceberg! Breastfeeding has many more benefits not listed here. If you ever want
to know more, feel free to ask me. If you know a pregnant woman, please
encourage her to breastfeed – not only for her baby’s health but for her’s too!
For more information on
breastfeeding and support for breastfeeding moms, please ask me or visit La
Leche League International online at www.llli.org.
-
Dr. Emily
