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A new Harvard analysis has calculated what we could accomplish if 90 percent of babies drank only breast milk for the first six months of life. The starting point for this analysis was a group of ten conditions identified by the lead Federal agency charged with improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of our health care – the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Their data suggest that each of these ten conditions is at least slightly less likely in children who were breast-fed. Right now, only one in eight babies drink only breast milk for the first six months. If we could increase this to nine babies in ten, we would expect to see fewer cases of SIDS, childhood leukemia, type 1 diabetes, necrotizing enterocolitis, hospitalizations for pneumonia or bronchiolitis, childhood obesity, childhood asthma, gastroenteritis, ear infections, and eczema – enough less that we would prevent 911 unnecessary deaths in the US alone each year (more than half of these in babies) and save more than $13 billion each year. Eight babies in ten would still save more than seven hundred lives and more than $10 billion dollars annually.
In other words, we could save an average of $4000 in medical costs for each extra baby where we delay formula to at least six months. To me the take home message of this study is that supporting nursing moms is a wise investment. It’s a smart choice for families, for employers, and for society at large. With health care costs still spiraling out of control, it makes all the more sense to celebrate and support breastfeeding – and to celebrate and support moms and babies whatever feeding choices they make for their family.
Bartick, M. and Reinhold, A. “The Burden of Suboptimal Breastfeeding in the United States: A Pediatric Cost Analysis.” Pediatrics. 2010, (doi:10.1542/peds.2009-1616).
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Comments
More paid maternity leave
agreed!
Wow, it seems like such common sense. Why wouldn't we use what we've been given, making everyone more healthy. It's incredible as the debates rage about Affordable Health Insurance that this topic is still contested? I can't believe that we haven't all woken up in this respect.
breastfeeding information
I agree their should be more information out there about what breastfeeding is like not just the benefits. I remember the prenatal tour the nurse talked about it for a minute and she gave us her phone number and breastfeeding class times. I couldn't afford the classes but I breastfed anyway. I looked up alot of information on the internet about it but I found out most on my own. I was very upset when I had to give my baby formula in addition to my colostrum the first 3 days because I never realized it wouldn't be enough to make my baby not hungry. I was also distraught when she went through her growth spurts and I could never get her off my breast. I never realized how closely attached she would become to me through breastfeeding, at first I felt it was too much becuase if I put her down she would cry and she wouldn't sleep alone but I just became a baby wearing and co sleeping mom and am happy with it. We perserveered and we are still going at 7 1/2 months.
I wonder if breastfeeding
I wonder if breastfeeding support and information should be offered in prenatal classes - before the baby is born and before the all the stress of having a new baby sets in. Perhaps if mom was given more information before the baby was born it would help after baby was here. If nothing else perhaps mom would not feel so alone if she had someone she could call.
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Nursing an Ill Child
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I believe that the more
I believe that the more information a mother to be gets the better.I remember when my son was born,I had such a hard time.I was so depresed when I was unable to breast feed him the first day he was born.I did'nt know that most moms dont get their milk in right away so when It was'nt happening for me I felt like a failer.I was so tired after my baby was born and all I wanted to do after I took care of what ever my baby needed at the time was go to sleep and that also made me feel like a failer,I know now that being tired is a normal responce to mother hood and I also know that brestfeeding takes time.New mothers need to understand that It will be hard for a little while but in time things will get better.In the begining it seems like you will never get any rest but trust me you will.Time really dose go by fast and befor you know it your little baby will be walking and talking and then befor you know it they will be in school.The best thing I can say to a new mommy who is feeling discouraged due to lack of sleep and so on is this-(THIS TOO SHALL PASS)and dont forget to just breath and try to relax
Breast Feeding is Such an Important Gift for Baby
I totally understand that not all moms can breast feed. I was diagnosed with breast cancer while nursing. I needed to start chemo therapy, so had to stop.
But I also think it's too easy to give up. I had no idea how hard it would be to start breast feeding. Honestly, it was more painful than delivery. I was very fortunate -- we had a lactation expert on call who came to my aid with a breast pump and instructions on how to get my baby to latch on. Without that, I don't know what I would have done.
I'd love to see more help for women who have trouble breast feeding. I think many women feel helpless when they don't think their baby is getting enough to eat. In desperation, they give up. With support, they might be able to continue and give their baby a very important gift.
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More Support Needed