Is Breast Feeding Losing Importance?
Recent studies have been performed and data shows that almost 1000 deaths per year could be avoided by breastfeeding alone.
In addition the cost associated because of the lack of breast feeding is amazing. It is estimated that over $13 billion dollars annually are spent that could otherwise be used differently if a large majority of women were to breast feed rather than formula.
Though often for women this can be a point of anxiety and guilt. Breast feeding is losing steam and many are questioning its importance.
Therefore, it must be stated that often women choose to stop breast feeding because of personal reasons including medication, anxiety, Postpartum depression, biting, pain, and other.
Other never begin breast feeding because of lack of instruction, lack of proper counsel, schedule, work, and many other reasons.
A new study that was recently published in the “Journal Pediatrics” confirms the new findings. It states, “The United States incurs $13 billion in excess costs annually and suffers 911 preventable deaths per year because our breastfeeding rates fall far below medical recommendations.”
Often the main question of breastfeeding is for how long? Several organizations have agreed that 6 months is the key age to achieve the growth expected and the proper anticipated health development. Those who agree include: the WHO, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, the CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Hospitals are recommended to push breastfeeding and its benefits to all new mothers. Skin-to-skin contact is essential to help initiate breastfeeding and suckle by the infant. Emotional connection is also felt for many mothers.
Average Breast Feeding Rates:
74% of women start breastfeeding
33% are exclusively breastfeeding after 3 months
14% are exclusively breastfeeding after 6 months
Infant Deaths
Caused by 3 main illnesses:
1.) SIDS [Sudden infant death syndrome]
2.) Necrotizing enterocolitis
3.) Lower Respiratory lung infections [including Pneumonia]
Breastfeeding has been shown to improve or reduce the risk of these 3 main causes of infant death. It should be noted that in many cases these are preventable deaths. During the study in addition to these three, seven other illness are also improved by breastfeeding.
What costs are included?:
*** Cost of formula was not included
1.) Cost related to death
2.) Direct cost of hospitalization and other health care
3.) Parent’s time missed from work.
What is preventing breastfeeding?:
1.) Time
2.) Sleep
3.) Employment
4.) Formula may be easier
5.) Breast discomfort
6.) Previous bad experience
7.) Recommendations from family members
What needs to be done:
1.) Increase breastfeeding awareness
2.) Increase awareness in mothers and grandmothers of new mothers about importance of breastfeeding
3.) Increase hospital teaching and timing of breastfeeding
4.) Breast pumps can help mother use breast milk at times of discomfort, fatigue, work, or others
