THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

By Cynthia McFarland

If your only exposure (pun intended) to women’s breasts was through the pages of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue, you’d have a rather unrealistic view of female anatomy.

As perky and voluptuous as they may be—especially in those sun-drenched beach photographs—breasts were naturally designed to fuel babies, not fantasies.

Because August is National Breastfeeding Month, we set out to learn more about the benefits and how to’s of feeding baby through breast milk.

Christy Jergens, public information o cer at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, and Jennifer Tartaglia, senior public health nutritionist supervisor, a registered dietitian and a certified lactation counselor in the same o ce, graciously answered our questions. Both Christy and Jennifer are also moms who’ve breastfed their own babies.

Why Breastfeed?

If you’re looking for one simple reason, it’s a budget-friendly option.

“It costs about $1,500 a year for formula and supplies, while breast milk is free,” observes Christy.

Of course, the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond saving money. Scientific research shows that compared with formulafed infants, those who are breastfed have a reduced risk of infections, childhood obesity, asthma, diarrhea, vomiting, type 2 diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The benefits also extend to mom. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, anemia and osteoporosis. It can strengthen the bond between mother and child, as well as lower the risk of postpartum depression, as compared to moms who don’t breastfeed.

“It may also help new moms lose weight and get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly,” adds Jennifer.

If you’re looking for a “green” reason, breastfeeding is good for the environment, as there’s no waste and no plastic, paper or energy resources required.

Moms in Florida have obviously paid attention to these important issues, as 88 percent of them breastfeed or pumped breast milk for at least a period of time after giving birth.

When a baby nurses in the first day or two, he receives vital antibodies and nutrients in his mother’s first milk known as colostrum. The hormones and growth factors in the milk help strengthen the immune system, develop and protect the baby’s stomach and gastrointestinal system, and also fight against bad bacteria.

The levels of fat, protein, sugar and water in breast milk naturally changes as the baby grows, and breast milk is naturally easy for the baby to digest. For the greatest benefits, doctors recommend exclusively breastfeeding through age 6 months old and then continuing to breastfeed until baby turns 1 or later.

Getting Practical

“Breast size does not determine whether or not you can breastfeed,” says Jennifer. “It’s a myth that breasts are too small or too large to breastfeed.”

No matter how small or large a mother’s breasts, her baby should latch onto the breast on the areola, not the nipple. For the best latch, the baby should take in more breast on the chin side than on the nose side, and his lips should flare out (think “fish lips”).

You may have to experiment with di erent positions that will make it easier for you and your baby. This is where a breastfeeding pillow can be a big help, as it helps position and support the baby for optimal feeding and eases the strain on a mother’s arms.

“Moms need help learning how to best position their babies and themselves to have a successful breastfeeding relationship early on,” says Christy. “We definitely recommend taking a breastfeeding class a month or two before delivery.”

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County o ers classes twice a month, and breastfeeding peer counselors are available by phone even on nights and weekends.

Two common issues that can interfere with baby getting a good latch are “tonguetie” and “lip-tie.” In both cases, a tiny piece of connecting tissue known as a frenulum is too tightly attached under the tongue or under the top lip. A simple surgical procedure is usually all that’s required to free the tissue.

How Much Is Enough?

A common question from new mothers who are breastfeeding is how to know if the baby is getting enough milk. Unlike with formula feeding, you can’t just look at a bottle to see how much milk was consumed.

“Right after birth, the baby’s stomach is only about the size of a shooter marble, so in the first days, you’re breastfeeding every couple hours,” explains Jennifer.

Frequent nursing (eight or more times every 24 hours) in the first few days will satisfy your baby and prompt your milk to “come in.”

Weight gain is an easy way to know if your baby is getting the right amount of milk.

“When babies are born, they do lose weight, but by two weeks, they should have gained back to their birth weight,” notes Jennifer. “We like to see them double their birth weight by six months and triple it by one year.”

Diaper changes will also tell if a baby is getting enough milk. By the time the baby is 4 days old, he should have three to four poopy diapers per day and the same number of wet diapers. By day five, wet diapers should increase to six or more within a 24-hour period.

As time goes on, a baby who receives nothing but breast milk will nurse anywhere from four to 13 times a day or an average of eight times daily.

Real Moms’ Stories

Joanne Strother’s son was born early at 35 weeks. Although he had jaundice and had to stay in the hospital overnight, she was still able to breastfeed him within an hour after birth.

“Breastfeeding helped his jaundice pass quickly,” says Joanne, who had taken a breastfeeding class while pregnant. Her sister attended the class with her and was also in the delivery room.

“Her support was great. She reminded me to point my nipple toward the roof of his mouth to help him latch on easier,” Joanne remembers. “When he was 2 weeks old, I was so exhausted I was ready to give up breastfeeding, but with the support of my family, I continued.”

Joanne continues to nurse her 2-yearold son and plans to do so until he’s ready to wean himself.