Advantages of Breastfeeding

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Given the documented short and long term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding, infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant. The American Dietetic Association states “Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first six months of life and breastfeeding with complementary foods from six months until at least twelve months is a ideal feeding pattern for infants. The benefits of breastfeeding that this mom should be made aware of are; -Human milk is easy to digest and contains more than 200 components that babies need in the early months of life. -Factors in breast milk protect infants from a wide variety of illnesses. -Breastfed children are less likely to become overweight or obese, even as adults. -Research has shown breastfed children have higher IQ’s. -Breastfed children have lower risk of death before their first birthday. -lack of breastfeeding is a risk factor for SIDs. -Human milk protects premature infants from life threatening GI disorders. -Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections. -Breastfed babies have fewer allergies, asthma and eczema. -Breastfeeding may reduce IBS,MS,RA and childhood cancers. -Breastfeeding is cheaper. -Breastfeeding reduces health care costs. This RN found an article “Breastfeeding, the Immune Response and Long Term Health” by Kelly M. Jackson, PhD; Andrea M. Nazar DO.(retrieved 5/21/13) This article discusses how breast milk is accepted as the best nutritional source for the infant

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