What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?
By Annie Gager, MS, RD
May 19th, 2024
Deciding to breastfeed or not is one of the first important decisions mother’s have to make for their baby. Breastfeeding has so many benefits to the mother and the baby, but that doesn’t mean formula feeding is “unhealthy” or “bad.” There are many reasons mothers choose not to breastfeed or are unable to. If breastfeeding is not done, formula is a healthy and safe alternative. Both options provide essential nutrients for babies to grow strong and healthy. It can be difficult to digest all the new information regarding infants and their various nutritional requirements. Here I am going to explain some key nutrients to look out for and breast feedings various benefits.
Breast Milk Nutrients
Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for the baby. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth to at least 6 months of age since it provides almost all necessary nutrients to the baby. Breast milk also protects the baby against disease and has immune boosting properties. Breastfeeding can help protect the baby against infection and reduce future health problems like; diabetes, obesity, and asthma. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding up to 12 months in addition to age-appropriate foods, stating it is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. Surprisingly, mother’s can safely breastfeed their infants 2 years and beyond to provide further health benefits to their children. If the mother is unable to breastfeed or chooses not to, there is no need to worry. Breast milk does lack a few important nutrients such as; vitamin D and iron.
Vitamin D
Infants who are exclusively breastfed are at a high risk for vitamin D deficiency which can result in inadequate bone mineralization and conditions like rickets. It is recommended that exclusively breastfed infants are given 400 IU of liquid vitamin D drops, daily. Vitamin D supplementation is no longer necessary when children are reaching their required vitamin D needs through their diet or if they are formula fed.
Iron
It is important infants receive adequate amounts of iron. Thankfully, newborns usually have sufficient amounts of iron stored in their bodies for the first 6 months of life. By 6 months of age, infants require additional sources of iron. The Required Daily Allowance of iron for infants 6 months to 1 year is 11 mg per day. Breast milk contains little iron and should not be relied on for infant needs after 6 months of age. If your infant is receiving iron-fortified formula, they likely do not require any additional supplementation. Iron from food sources is always the first recommendation, but daily needs can be met with iron drops prescribed by your doctor. Iron rich foods that are safe for babies to eat after 6 months of age include; beef, pork, fatty seafood like salmon, and eggs. Iron can also come from fortified baby cereals.
Digestion
Infants that are breastfeed typically have less occurrences of diarrhea and constipation than infants fed formula. This is because the components of breastmilk are easily digested and adaptive. Breast milk is able to adapt and change along with the changing needs of the baby. Breast milk changes depending on the infant's age, the mother’s diet/health and the environmental exposure.
No Cost
There is no cost to the mother to provide breast milk to her baby. Although some could say time is money. Formula cost and other supplies can add up very quickly. Breastfeeding also allows the mother time to connect with her infant. It can be a very bonding experience for both the mother and baby.
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