Benefits of Breastfeeding

In families who are able to do so, breastfeeding has a myriad of benefits. Babies were born to breastfeed, and breastfeeding is the biological norm for mothers and babies. There are literally thousands of studies comparing breastfeeding with man-made substitutes. The results show striking differences and the benefits of breastfeeding.

During the first year of life babies fed non-human milk have a higher incidence of:

Respiratory disease, including pneumonia and bronchitis
Diarrhoea and other digestive illnesses
Ear infections (up to 4 times higher)
Urinary tract infections
Meningitis
SIDS

Grow Medical looks at the advantages of breastfeeding, the role of colostrum, how to breastfed, how long to breastfeed and breastfeeding support.

Babies who do not receive human milk are sick more often, have more serious illnesses, are hospitalised more often and for longer. Breast milk plays a vital role in a baby's development.

Adults who were formula fed as infants have a higher incidence of:

Allergy
Asthma
Crohn’s disease
Diabetes 1 and 2
Hodgkin’s Disease
Childhood leukaemia
Coeliac disease
Childhood cancers
Breast cancer
Obesity

The more we learn, the clearer it is becoming, that for a baby’s immune system to be fully activated after birth, human milk's living antibodies are needed for at least the first 12 months. Breastmilk plays a major role in strengthening a baby’s immune system and normal digestive health.

The first milk, the colostrum, creates the normal environment in baby’s digestive system by encouraging the growth of the good bacteria (bifidus flora). This good bacteria is responsible for the mild odour of a breastfeeding baby’s stools. A normal gut environment discourages the growth of harmful bacteria and helps baby’s immune system develop properly.

Health benefits for mum include a lower incidence of Postpartum Haemorrhage, Osteoporosis, Cardiovascular disease, Breast Uterine and Ovarian cancer.

Some of the advantages of breastfeeding are:

Breast milk is completely safe for newborns and it’s easy for them to digest.
Breast milk provides babies with all the nutrition they need in their first six months of life.
When your baby needs to be fed, breast milk is ready and the temperature is always right.
Breast milk supports your baby’s immune system. As a result, your baby will be less likely to get infections.
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies and other health conditions.
Overall, breastfed babies tend to grow and develop better.
For mothers, breastfeeding is cost-free and breast milk requires no preparation time.
Breastfeeding may help mothers and babies to develop a closer bond.

Don’t be concerned if it takes some time for you and your baby to get used to breastfeeding – many mothers and babies struggle at first with how to breastfeed.

There are several positions for breastfeeding a baby. Just be sure you consider the following:

Comfort: get comfortable before feeding. Cushions and pillows may help. Make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed.
Straight line: the baby’s head and body should form a straight line so that the breast milk can be easily swallowed.
Close hold: your baby should be facing your breast. Support your newborn’s back, shoulders and neck so that they can tip their head back to swallow your milk more easily.
Don’t hold the back of your baby’s head: your baby should be free to tilt their head back so that your nipple is in the right position in the baby’s mouth.
Baby to breast: draw your baby to your breast – and not vice versa – this encourages better attachment.
Nose to nipple: position your baby so that their nose is level with your nipple. This will ensure they fully open their mouth and attach well.

Always get help from a midwife or lactation consultant if you are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding.

Childbirth alone is an intense experience for many women. Nourishing your baby is just one aspect of being a parent. Breastfeeding can bring up a mixture of emotions from terror to excitement to sheer frustration. The important thing to remember is that good breastfeeding support is available.

A midwife and/or lactation consultant who can visit you at home can make a world of difference. Breastfeeding is a skill and it may take you and your baby time to learn how to do it.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268). The Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors who answer calls on a roster system in their own homes.