Breastfeeding Awareness

The American Academy of Pediatrics is a very strong advocate for breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for infants. Their Policy Statement of 1997 states, "Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding." Breastmilk contains a special blend of fats, sugars, minerals, proteins, vitamins and enzymes in exact proportions which cannot be duplicated.

The advantages of breastfeeding are numerous -

• Colostrum, the first milk for newborns, is the perfect starter food for babies. It
  provides immunity against bacteria and viruses.  Colostrum is replaced in a few days with mature milk. Research provides strong evidence that breast milk significantly decreases risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases, such as respiratory infections, ear infections, botulism, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and bacterial meningitis. Research indicates that a baby's immune system is not fully mature for many years. Breast milk provides immunities to illnesses to which you are immune. It also strongly suggests that breast milk is protective against sudden infant death syndrome, insulin-dependent diabetes, allergic diseases, and other chronic digestive diseases. Furthermore, it has been related to the possible enhancement of cognitive development.
   

• The act of breastfeeding has health benefits for mothers, including less postpartum bleeding, earlier return to prepregnant weight, improved bone remineralization, reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.
   

• Breastfeeding also provides important social and economic benefits to the nation. These include reduced health care costs and reduced employee absenteeism for care attributable to child illness. Because breastfed babies do not get ill as often as formula fed babies, parents have more time to spend with other siblings and for other family duties. Direct economic benefits to families are also significant. The cost savings of breastfeeding versus formula feeding are substantial.
   

• There are significant emotional benefits. The skin-to-skin contact helps newborns adjust to life outside the womb and promotes mother-infant attachment.
   

• The practical advantages are very important for a new mother -- the milk is always available, at the right temperature, and absolutely fresh and clean. Best of all, it is free!

Most newborns need to be fed approximately 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for the first few weeks, usually 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth, usually within the first hour. Babies should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. No supplements (water, formula, etc) should be given.

The following signs indicate that baby is getting enough breast milk.

• 6 - 9 wet diapers within 24 hours

• 2 - 5 bowel movements within 24 hours

• 8 - 12 feedings within 24 hours

• Audible sucking and swallowing

Call you health care provider if you do not see these signs. Macomb County Health Department supports the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program. This Special Supplemental Nutrition Program is a federally funded food and education program that serves low and moderate income families who have nutrition-related health problems. Eligibility criteria include:

• Low to middle income

• Pregnant women

• Breastfeeding moms

• Moms who have just had a baby

• Babies

• Kids to age 5