by Carlina

Created on: January 21, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

There is nothing as integral to an infant's growth and development as its mother's milk.

In support of breastfeeding, the United States Department of Agriculture declared Aug. 1 to 7 as World Breastfeeding Week, encouraging all expectant mothers to make the best choice for their babies.

Patricia Fifer, a nurse and breast-feeding instructor at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, said Thursday that nothing compares to a mother's milk.

"Even the formula companies will tell you that breast milk is the gold standard," Fifer said. "They have to admit to you that nothing equals breastmilk."

Not only does breastmilk contain many ingredients that are not found in infant formulas, but it is impossible to manufacture a milk that is tailored to each individual child in the way a mother's milk is ideally suited for her child.

A mother's milk which changes daily with her child's needs is without a doubt the best food for babies, Fifer said. It contains the right amount of nutrients, in the right proportions for a growing baby.

Health benefits

Because breast milk is made of living cells, it is able increase immunity, Fifer explained. It lines the baby's stomach and has the power to protect against acute and chronic illnesses and infection.

"It has advantages for the baby and the mother babies who are breast-fed are healthier. It protects from viruses and bacteria in the digestive and respiratory systems," she said, adding that it also virtually eliminates constipation.

In addition to all the known benefits of human milk, the act of breast-feeding itself is equally beneficial. Breast-feeding makes irreplaceable contributions to a child's physical development and ensures that breast-fed infants grow exactly the way they should.

Developmental benefits

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, breast-fed babies tend to gain less unnecessary weight and are leaner. These infants also appear to have greater brain and neurological development and show improved oral and facial development.

Many also appear to be more independent as they age, if they were given the opportunity to breast-feed and wean as they desired, Fifer said.

Additionally, the close skin-to-skin contact with mother provides a virtually automatic connection between mother and child. In fact, evidence shows certain hormonal effects of breast-feeding including feelings of relaxation, generosity, joy and general motherliness makes breast-feeding not only more comfortable, but may predispose a mother to closer bonding with her infant.

Other perks

These hormonal effects are only part of breast-feeding's many benefits. Not only are breast-fed babies healthier and more content, but their diapers actually are less odorous, Fifer said.

Weight loss for breast-feeding mothers also is more rapid because milk production can burn up to 500 calories a day. Mothers who breast-feed at least six months throughout their lifetimes have a decreased risk of breast cancer and similarly low rates of ovarian and uterine cancers. Breast-feeding also is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy in the first six months as long as exclusive nursing is practiced, according to the Medical Reporter.

Plus, families may expect to save an estimated $2,500 a year in the cost of formula a savings that pales in comparison to total societal benefits. Not only are health-care costs for breast-fed babies lower, but breast-feeding is better for the environment because there is less trash and plastic waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breast-fed for at least the first 12 months of life. Breast-feeding past the first year should continue for as long as a mother and child desire.

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