Why Breast Is (Seriously!) Best

Numerous studies have revealed the health benefits of breastfeeding for new moms, from shedding those extra pregnancy pounds to reducing moms' risk for breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure, and even postpartum depression. Now a new study, published last month in the journal, Pediatrics, finds that Americans could save $13 billion and 911 infants’ lives if 90% of new moms would breastfeed their babies exclusively (meaning no other foods or liquids) for just the first six months. Those big budget savings were based on reduced rates of illness, hospitalization and deaths among breastfed babies—it did not include the $1200 or so each breastfeeding family can save on formula and other costs. For more info, including how the new healthcare reform bill supports breastfeeding moms, read on…

Melissa Bartick and Arnold Reinhold’s study, published in the journal, Pediatrics, backs up the mounting evidence-based research on the benefits of—and risks of not—breastfeeding. Pair this news with the passage of the health care reform bill, which included a workplace breast pumping accommodations mandate, and we might be looking at a turning point for breastfeeding rates. Taking breastfeeding seriously is long overdue in America. It’s vitally important that our society supports as many breastfeeding moms, and in as many ways, as possible.

The study offers some of the strongest evidence to date that breastfeeding is the best choice not just for our children, but for our society as a whole. Maybe people could overlook the mounting evidence-based research showing the litany of health benefits for breastfeeding moms and their babies, but that $13 billion figure will hopefully be harder to ignore.

Bartick and Reinhold included a cost analysis of infant diseases measurably diminished by breastfeeding, including lower respiratory tract infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and childhood asthma. But breastfeeding's health benefits last well beyond infancy. Healthy babies grow into healthy adults with fewer chronic illnesses, conditions, and diseases. And it’s been proven that moms who breastfeed will live happier, healthier lives as well, simply by doing what they were made to do. The ripple effect from all of this leads to economic savings both at the personal and societal level.

We must not let the messages about the importance of breastmilk to babies’ development be diluted. While it’s important to note that there is a suitable artificial alternative for babies who are not breastfed for whatever reason, it’s also imperative that people recognize the very specific differences between breastmilk and artificial baby milk so that they can make an educated decision about how they will nourish their children.

I hope that the work of Dr. Bartick and Mr. Reinhold will change some people’s minds about breastfeeding. As a mom who breastfed and breastpumped while working full-time, I can tell to you that it is possible... but it should not be selectively possible for just a few. The AAP and its doctors owe it to moms and dads to spread the simple message that breastfeeding will result in lifelong health benefits, while we, as a society, back them up with our own support.

How do we do that? We can support moms at home with encouraging words, support them at work with the time and place to pump their milk, support them in public by respecting their choice to feed their baby whenever he’s hungry, and remember that breastfeeding could make a world of difference in children’s (and mothers’) lives.

Gina Ciagne, CLC is a mother of two breastfed children and Director of Breastfeeding and Consumer Relations for Lansinoh Laboratories. She's also a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor. You can read more of her writing, and contact her, through the blog, ByMomsForMoms (sponsored by Lansinoh).