Aug. 1-5 is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. There are many health benefits from breastfeeding for both mother and baby, and prolonged breastfeeding duration is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Ruth Munday, RN, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital board-certified lactation consultant, encourages mothers and mothers-to-be to complete the appropriate research on breastfeeding, as they make their own personal decision.

She offers some key reasons why breastfeeding is an excellent choice. 

Top 5 for Mother:

• Helps uterus return to pre-pregnancy size more quickly;
  
• Decreased risk of female cancers;
  
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis and Type 2 diabetes 
• Promotes heart health;
• Economical and “green” way to feed your baby;

Top 5 for Baby:

• Boosts ability to fight off infections;
• Decreased risk of diarrhea and colic;
• Decreased risk of allergies and ear infections;
• Decreased risk of diabetes and obesity;
• Promotes brain development and may increase IQ;

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Any amount of breast milk a mother is able to provide to her baby will have benefits, even if it's only for the first few weeks or even days of his or her life. The natural components that are found in breast milk are such that can not be duplicated in formula, no matter how hard a formula company may try.  Even small amounts of breast milk may have a lasting impact on an infant’s current and future health. 

The colostrum, or “first milk” a mother makes after delivery, is the most important.  It has so many antibodies and immune factors in it that it is like giving the baby a first immunization. It primes the baby’s digestive tract to help feedings go smoothly. Even if a mother had not planned to breastfeed, she could nurse or pump for two to three days after delivery to can provide her baby with those protective benefits.

4-6 Weeks of Exclusive Nursing:

The baby will be through the most vulnerable part of infancy.  Newborns who are breastfed are less likely to be sick or hospitalized and have fewer digestive problems than formula-fed babies.

3-4 Months of Exclusive Nursing:

The baby's digestive system will have matured, and the baby will be better able to tolerate foreign substances found in formula. Feeding the baby only breast milk for four months offers strong protection against ear infections for a whole year. 

6 Months of Exclusive Nursing:

The baby will be less likely to have an allergic reaction to formula or other foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only breast milk for the first six months. Once the baby is 6 months old, continue to provide breast milk and begin to introduce baby foods and cereals. Nursing for at least six months helps to ensure better health through out the baby’s first year of life. 

It also reduces the risk of childhood cancers and mother’s risk for female cancers. 

9 Months of Exclusive Nursing:

The baby will have made it through one of the fastest and most important brain and body development of his/her life.  Breastfeeding this long will help ensure better performance all through the school years.

12 months of Exclusive Nursing:

One year’s worth of formula may cost more than $1,000. The baby will benefit from a stronger immune system that will have a life-long impact.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for at least a year to help ensure normal nutrition and health for babies.

18 Months and Beyond:

The baby is well started on tolerating table foods.  Nursing at this age offers nutrition, comfort and illness protection as the baby grows in independence.  Baby-led weaning is the best way to do it if possible. 

Mother’s milk continues to provide antibodies and other protective substances as long as nursing is continued, and families of nursing toddlers often find their medical bills lower. Nursing can help ease a mother and baby through the challenges of early childhood. The World Health Organization and UNICEF strongly encourage breastfeeding through toddlerhood. Breast milk is an important source of energy and protein and helps to protect against disease during the child’s second year of life. 

Whether a mother breastfeeds for one day or for several years, the decision to provide breast milk is one that will have a lasting impact on both a mother's and baby’s health.  Lactation consultants are here to help with any questions or concerns a mother may have.