Breastfeeding forms the first link of communication between a mother and the newborn. It is considered as the ideal means of feeding for infants. The practice involves the feeding of babies from the breasts of a woman. The rate of breastfeeding in the US has increased from 35 percent in 2000 to 49 percent in 2010. The Healthy People objectives for 2020 aims at raising the number of breastfed infants to 81.9 percent by the year 2020 (Ward, Hisley & Kennedy, 2015). The establishment of baby friendly hospitals across various states in the nation has greatly boosted growth in the rates of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization provides for exclusive breastfeeding to infants up to six months of age. A combination of food and breast milk is recommended until at least the baby is one or two years of age. However, according to global statistics, only 38 percent are provided with exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. Globally, 820,000 cases of infant mortality could be prevented through increased breastfeeding (Lawrence, 2010). The practice is majorly a mother’s personal decision and has several benefits to the infants, mothers and the society as a whole. The following paper will discuss the advantages of breastfeeding on maternal child wellbeing.
Literature Review
Benefits of breastfeeding to infants
Various authors have defined several benefits of breast milk to infants. The early skin to skin contact between lactating mothers and infants decreases nighttime feeding problems among babies and decreases the chances of crying. Emotionally, this provides for a unique experience of fulfillment for both the mother and the baby. The spouse and other members of the family appreciate the loving manner of welcome for the new family member. Therefore, it helps to establish a positive and healthy social environment for the growth of the baby.
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Breast milk has a balanced composed of nutrients ranging from vitamins, proteins, and fats. The method of nutrition is ideal has the nutrients are provided in the required forms for easy digestion as compared to infant nutrition. Easy digestion of the milk prevents bloated and gassy stomachs which can cause discomforts and crying among infants. The milk is also hygienic since there are no physical methods of preparation are required. The occurrence of breast milk is as a result of body hormones, unlike the infant formula which needs physical preparations and is thus subject to contamination. The external and internal organs of infants are highly delicate and thus can be easily damaged by any forms of unhygienic feeding. Besides, according to infant-nutrition experts, the bile salted lipase, contained in breast milk, lowers cases of gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea which can cause mass deaths, especially in the poorly developed countries. Furthermore, the different tastes and flavors of the milk resulting from the consumption of a variety of foods by nursing mothers psychologically prepare the baby to accept solid foods. Early introduction of the baby’s food culture through breast milk prevents malnutrition and feeding problems among children in later stages of life.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding reduces the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by about half (Buttaro, 2013). The short-lived joy of a mother due to the loss of infants can be prevented through immediate breastfeeding after giving birth. Research shows that the milk contains antibodies that fight disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. For instance, lactoferrin binds to iron inhibiting the growth of intestinal bacteria thus preventing intestinal diseases among infants. It lowers the risks of acquiring asthma, allergies, respiratory diseases and ear infections among the infants. Further studies on the subject show that breast milk is more efficient than formula milk in response to vaccines. Vaccination helps a baby to acquire immunity to various diseases during growth and development. Immunization reduces the fever rate among babies through the regulation and balance of the body’s metabolic rate. According to past studies, breast milk allows for the intake of nutrients in the rightful proportions. This enables them only to acquire the appropriate amount of weight thus reducing the chances of obesity. This lowers the risks of the baby in developing chronic diabetes and other weight-related diseases in the later stages of life. Likewise, it provides for a long-term form of protection against cardiovascular diseases among the infants. Additionally, evidence-based research shows that it lowers the occurrence of childhood leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies indicate that the average breastfed baby doubles its birth weight in five to six, an indicator of growth (Whitacre, Moats & Institute of Medicine, 2011). By a year, the baby gains about two and half times the weight as a result of efficient breastfeeding. The study by Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant, and Growth (DARLING) suggested that breastfed babies are leaner in comparison to formula-fed babies, judging from the measurements of length and head circumference (Whitacre et al. 2011). Additionally, the study reported that breastfeeding promotes the development of a good oral cavity with less need for orthodontic intervention owing to fewer malocclusions. Over time, the study showed that babies with the U-shaped dental arch as the case in breastfed infants faceless sleep apnea and snoring problems in later life (Whitacre et al. 2011).
According to Andrew and Michael (2014), breastfeeding is associated with the increased cognitive development of a child. A meta-analysis of observed differences in formula-fed and breastfed infants indicate breastfeeding scores highly in cognitive development than the formula feeding (Andrew & Michael, 2014). However, the developmental importance of breast milk increases with increased durations of breastfeeding. Moreover, the analysis showed that premature babies derived more benefits from breast nutrition regarding cognitive development than full-term infants. Thus, the practices raise the intelligence levels of the infant by boosting their IQ (Andrew & Michael, 2014).
Benefits of breast feeding to mothers
Breastfeeding is equally beneficial to the lactating mothers. The release of positive hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin provides emotional fulfillment for the mother. Oxytocin promotes the growth of a sense of physical and emotional attachment and love of the baby. On the other hand, studies show that prolactin produces a nurturing and peaceful feeling of relaxation to focus on the child. Evidence-based research demonstrates this as the basic foundation of the maternal bond which goes on for a long time in people’s lives. The feeling provides for psychological need by women who breastfeed their first child to gain interest in breastfeeding the babies that follow. It gives a regular schedule to relax and bond with the newborn.
Buttaro (2013) notes that breastfeeding forms the basis to establish good relations with other nursing mothers. Women engage in dialogues concerning parenting styles, engorgement and night time feedings which give first-hand experiences on parenting especially for the first time mothers. Breastfeeding and parenting can be hectic and hence a mothers’ forum to share ideas and knowledge on the subject serve the psychological needs and support for mothers. It helps to eliminate the worries of parenting to the collective nature of the experience. The engagements during lactation give the mothers a chance to learn more about their baby (Buttaro, 2013). This is due to the reliance of one’s instincts and the baby’s behavior to define when the baby is hungry or full. On the contrary, with the bottle milk one can easily know how much the baby has eaten.
Pediatricians suggest that it reduces the risks of occurrence of various infections among infants. This benefits the mother as they have to make fewer hospital trips and spend less sick days off work. This improves the efficiency of nursing mothers at workplaces due to the psychological comfort of their infants and more productivity resulting from fewer off days resulting from the baby’s sickness. Also, breast milk is less costly in comparison to formula milk which requires about $134 to $491 on a monthly basis depending on the brand and amount of consumption (Lauwers & Swisher, 2016). To produce adequate milk, nursing mothers need at least an addition 400 to 500 calories which are cheaper to acquire.
Parenting is quite hectic especially for first time or young parents. Breastfeeding makes night feeding simpler and convenient since one is not required to prepare or warm as the case in bottle milk (Buttaro, 2013). It also provides the grounds for emotional and physical support by a spouse as the partner changes the baby and the hands them to the mother for nursing. Such support meets the psychological requirements of a mother towards healing after delivery. Practically, breast milk creates the convenience to travel with the baby since one does not require carrying bags with feeding equipment. The mother’s assured presence due to the ease in movement promotes comfort among babies and less crying (Buttaro, 2013).
Studies have shown exclusive breastfeeding serves as a form of natural contraception. The production of prolactin during lactation prevents the release of estrogen and progesterone which triggers ovulation. Delays in ovulation results in a menstrual vacation which helps mothers to space the children and plan for pregnancies (Lauwers& Swisher, 2016). Besides, it reduces the risks of occurrences of ovarian and breast cancer among mothers later in life. Women who breastfeed additionally experience low chances of acquiring high blood pressure and high cholesterol resulting to related diseases (Lauwers& Swisher, 2016).
Breastfeeding promotes ease and quick recovery from childbirth among mothers. Oxytocin, a lactation hormone, reduces postpartum bleeding and assists the return of the uterus to its regular size (Lawrence, 2010). Additionally, the physical contact between the mother and the baby meets the emotional needs of recovery for the mother. Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature. Mothers find satisfaction in the immediate feeding of their babies upon the need, unlike formula milk which needs warming and is sometimes unavailable due to financial constraints and product market factors. The formula milk cannot change its constituents, but a mother’s milk does due to the morphs. The first milk after delivery, colostrum, has high protein and lower sugar content. The full milk that comes three to four days after delivery is high in sugar content and volume as required for the growth and development of a baby (Lawrence, 2010).
Breast milk gives an unmatched feeling of contentment and power in seeing their baby thrive and grow on their milk alone. Nursing additionally burns about 500 calories a day which helps mothers to lose the gained during pregnancy. This eliminates the chances of obesity among mothers, and the general loss of body weight boosts the esteem and self-confidence levels for most mothers. Women who breastfeed are at a lower risk of developing postmenopausal osteoporosis. During lactation, their bodies efficiently absorb more calcium which promotes the development of stronger bones. Mothers are often considered as saviors of the earth due to breastfeeding. Dairy cows which are reared to produce the infant formula contribute to global warming through belching, and manure releases methane, a harmful gas into the surrounding (Wilson, Nizet, Maldonado, Remington & Klein, 2016).
Practice implications of breastfeeding
The literature reviews explained above provided for the basic foundation of the practice implications of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is influenced by both psychosocial and environmental factors which differ depending on regions and individual experiences and circumstances. The psychosocial factors include the available knowledge and attitudes regarding the practice. The personal beliefs of health care providers are seen to influence the mother’s decision to breastfeed due to the presence of trust. In addition to the articles and books, physicians should encourage mothers to nurse their babies upon giving birth. The provisions of commercial incentives for formula feeding may encourage mothers to favor the method of feeding (Wilson et al. 2016). The provision of breastfeeding stations by employers in the US has increased levels of breastfeeding among working mothers who result to weaning to avoid the loss of jobs as a result of the practice. However, the World Health Organization suggests permanent avoidance of the practice due to medical conditions such as HIV, sepsis, and breast abscess among mothers. Moreover, infants with very low birth weight or if born prematurely may need weaning in addition to breast milk to promote growth (Wilson et al. 2016).
Exclusive breastfeeding naturally cancels out differences in health between the infants born into poverty and those born into affluence. It gives a fair start for each child and eliminates the social injustices that one is born into, which contributes greatly to the growth and development of a child. Evidence-based research shows that the practice has the most long lasting effects that save the lives of the child and the mother. It contributes to savings in the national health schemes such as NHS in the UK with the initial investments paying off within few years. Evidence-based reports indicate that it promotes brain development and emotional attachments between the mother and the child. This lays the primary foundation of academic performances, mental health and the growth of interpersonal skills among children, later in life. Measures should be put in places of work, hospitals and other forums to encourage exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant’s life.
References
Andrew, S., & Michael, S. (2014). Nutritional influences on human neurocognitive functioning. Frontiers Media SA.
Buttaro, T. M. (2013). Primary care: A collaborative practice. St Louis, Mo: Elsevier/ Mosby.
Lauwers, J., & Swisher, A. (2016). Counselling the nursing mother: A lactation consultant’s guide.
Lawrence, R.A. (2010). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical professional. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders
Ward, S. L., Hisley, S. M. & Kennedy, A. M. (2015). Maternal-child nursing care: Optimizing outcomes for mothers, children and families.
Wilson, C. B., Nizet. V., Maldonado, Y.A., Remington, J. S., & Klein, J.O. (2016). Remington and Klein’s infectious diseases of the fetus and newborn infant.
Whitacre, P., Moats, S. A., & Institute of Medicine (U.S). (2011). Updating the USDA national breastfeeding campaign: Workshop summary. Washington, D.C: National Academic Press.
