Over millions of years of human history, breastfeeding has constituted the most successful means for meeting the needs of the human infant (Montague). Nature has gone to great lengths to design a bonding strategy that fits a newborn’s needs in very specific ways. An infant’s cry stimulates the mother’s production of breast milk. The touch of the infant’s skin against his mother’s breast releases a hormone that reduces post-delivery bleeding. Suckling also increases the secretion of oxytocin from the pituitary gland, which stimulates uterus contractions leading to ejection of the placenta. Studies show oxytocin also has a very powerful effect on the brain. It reduces anxiety and enhances calm, trust and connection. Oxytocin stimulates the areas of the brain involved in maternal behavior (Middlemore). The mother initially produces colostrum, which lasts ten days. Then transitional milk is produced for eight days. This natural progression is perfectly designed to meet the gradually developing metabolic needs of the infant. Colostrum also acts as a laxative and is the most effective substance for cleaning the meconium from the infant’s gastrointestinal tract (Smith & Little).
Breastfeeding provides a number of correlated benefits immunologically, neurologically, and psychologically. An infant has no antibodies at birth. Breast milk provides immunity for six months until the infant acquires his own antibodies. Breast fed babies are hospitalized ten times less than formula fed infants in the first year of life.
Cows milk is very specific in the amounts of fats, proteins, sugars, gamma globulins, lysozyme, etc. to meet the requirement of calves. Breast milk remains the only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. Often young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that infant formula is a comparable substitute for breast milk. The fact is that no matter how many vitamins, minerals, and supplements are added to synthetic formulas, nothing duplicates the properties of breast milk (Mothering from the Heart).
Dramatic health benefits have been shown to pass from the mother to the child through breast milk. Besides antibodies, exclusive nutrients are present in the mother’s milk, which has been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases. Breast milk provides protection against allergies, asthma, and eczema. In a study of 173 children, non-breastfed babies had four times as many respiratory infections, 20 times as much diarrhea, eight times more eczema, 21 times more asthma, and 27 times more hay fever (Montague).
We have known for decades that there are specific proteins in human milk that promotes brain development. In a study of 383 Chicago children, it was found that breastfed babies were physically and mentally superior to artificially fed infants. Artificially fed babies ranked lowest in all traits measured including nutrition, susceptibility to diseases and delays in learning to walk and talk (Hoefer & Hardy). Breastfed infants develop higher IQs and have improved brain and nervous system development (10-12 points higher). Breastfed babies are superior in all aspects of speech development, clarity of articulation, reading ability and general confidence.
Psychologically, nursing intensifies the pleasurable aspects of childcare. Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of both mothers and babies. Breastfed babies enjoy a special, warm bond and a deep emotional relationship with their mothers. Breastfeeding comes naturally to bonded mothers, they breastfeed longer, which further enhances their strength and commitment to child rearing. Mammals, who are natural “long spaced” feeders, have milk that is high in protein and fat. Short spaced feeders, including humans, have low protein and low fat milk which suggests that the human mother is designed to carry her baby with her in close proximity to facilitate demand feeding. It also encourages frequent mother-child contact and interaction. Evidence indicates that, optimally, human infants should be breastfed for at least 12 months (Montague).
For mother’s, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers. It also protects against osteoporosis and hip fractures later in life. Breastfeeding also serves as a natural birth control method, suppressing ovulation and delaying pregnancy for at least ten weeks. The greater the frequency of breastfeeding, the longer the contraceptive effect (Cronin). Breastfeeding also assists the mother in losing weight (half of the calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores- she can burn from 500-1500 calories per day).
A recent study in pediatrics suggests that nursing also may protect infants from neglect. In a study of 6,621 Australian children, over a 15-year period, researchers found that those who were breastfed were far less likely to be neglected or abused by their mothers. Babies who were not breastfed were more than two-and-a-half times more likely to be maltreated by their mothers. When all the factors leading to the results were examined, lack of breastfeeding remained the strongest predictor of neglect (Szabo).
Many young mothers are uninformed about the compelling benefits of breastfeeding. Some who do have the information still might not choose to make the significant commitment to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does take a lot of work, especially at first. It’s crucial to have helpful information, coaching and support to be successful. Fortunately, there are many helpful sources available such as the La Leche League.
Economic concerns have led to a growing number of working mothers. This adds an additional challenge to maintaining the commitment in time and energy necessary to breastfeed. Some women may not be able to breastfeed or just choose not to. This does not mean that they will abuse or neglect their babies. There are many different pathways to a healthy mother-infant relationship. However, the indisputable evidence demonstrates the breastfeeding offers the healthy development of the newborn.
