Breastfeeding and the Cancer Connection

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