Op/Ed: Breastfeeding offers health benefits for Hoosier babies, moms and saves money

Cameual Wright
·3 min read
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated their guidelines around breastfeeding, now supporting continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by the mother and child. Breast milk is and always has been the most optimal source of nutrition for a growing baby, and if breastfeeding is an option for the mother, that is the top recommended practice for giving babies the nutrients they need.

August represents National Breastfeeding Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. As the U.S. continues to face a shortage in infant formula, and with the AAP’s updated guidelines, it’s of the utmost importance now for mothers to be informed on the many benefits of breastfeeding for both their babies and themselves.

The Indianapolis Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium unveil their new Mamava lactation suite that will provide a new option for nursing mothers who prefer a private location to breastfeed or pump at a Colts game or another stadium event on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2018. The Mamava is a self-contained, mobile pod with seating for mom and other children, a fold-down table, interior lighting, an electrical outlet for a breast pump, a USB port and a door that can be locked for privacy.

The importance of breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children. Breast milk is specifically formulated for optimal nutrition for a newborn. The composition of breast milk changes to match a baby’s needs as it grows and its nutritional requirements change. Babies also receive immune support from the antibodies provided in breast milk, as breast milk offers immunity in the early stages of life before a baby can receive vaccinations. In fact, studies found that breast milk of mothers vaccinated for COVID-19 carry antibodies against the virus.

In addition to the ample amount of health benefits, breast milk is economically favorable. Due to an infant’s changing routine, many find breastfeeding to be the most convenient feeding option due to the ability to breastfeed anytime, anywhere. Breastfeeding can help lift financial burdens associated with feeding as it offers a free, nutritional food source for babies.

Additionally, breastfeeding creates a special bond between mother and baby because it promotes skin-to-skin contact. Many experts say the bonding experience during the first years of life helps lessen social and behavioral problems in both children and adults. Breastfeeding even burns extra calories and helps many mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight. If a new mother has questions about breastfeeding, they can turn to health plans or to their health providers for answers.

More:How to find baby formula alternatives amid shortage — and why you shouldn't make your own

Disparities in breastfeeding

Despite the AAP recommending breastfeeding, national rates remain low, especially among minority groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation continue to persist. Low rates of breastfeeding add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for mothers and their children in the U.S., per the CDC. Additionally, three quarters (76%) of Black infants are ever breastfed, which is below the national average of 84%. Indiana is one of 26 states where the breastfeeding initiation rate was lowest among infants of Black mothers. It’s important to consider the root causes of disparities in breastfeeding, including historical trauma, access to care, provider bias and promotion of formula by manufacturers. Culturally appropriate education, increased breastfeeding support and diverse representation within health care should be encouraged and implemented in order to increase awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and help remove these barriers.

Breastfeeding is more than just a lifestyle decision; it’s an investment in health for both mothers and their infants, reducing health risks such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), breast cancer, ovarian cancer and more, according to the CDC. It’s critical to advance the support, protection and promotion of breastfeeding so all families have the opportunity to breastfeed.

Dr. Cameual Wright is vice president and market chief medical officer for CareSource.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Breastfeeding is cost effective and protects health of moms, babies