Breast Milk Protects Infants
New parents have many important decisions to make concerning the best care for their babies. When it comes to nutrition, one of the best first foods is breast milk.
“Studies show that a mother’s milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth,” says Andrea Denbow, a certified lactation consultant at Clark Memorial Hospital.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently stated “human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants” and recommended breastfeeding until the newborn is at least 12 months old. The AAP’s strong stance is the result of two decades of studies that establish that a mother’s milk provides all of the nourishment infants need while protecting them from illness.
Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because the mother’s antibodies are transferred during nursing. Antibodies destroy bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, flu, ear infections, staph infections and German measles. Human milk also contains beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms that can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea.
In addition, human milk contains over 100 ingredients not found in formula. And unlike formula, no baby is allergic to mother’s milk unless she has eaten something that disagrees with the baby. If the baby does have a reaction, the mother simply eliminates that food from her diet.
The actual act of breastfeeding is also beneficial to the baby. Milk is much harder to get out of a breast than a bottle. Therefore, breastfeeding strengthens the baby’s jaw muscles and also promotes straight, healthy teeth.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding can create an early bond between mother and baby. Newborns can only see 12 to 15 inches from their face, which is about the distance between the nursing baby and the mother’s face. The skin-to-skin contact associated with breastfeeding also provides security and warmth to the baby.
“Currently, more than 60 percent of new mothers in the United States are choosing to breastfeed,” says Andrea. “At Clark Memorial, we encourage mothers to try breastfeeding. If a mother needs help or has questions, I am always happy to show her the best techniques and some useful tips to make it easier.”
Clark Memorial Hospital also has an in-house breastfeeding center, a convenient place for new mothers to shop for breastfeeding accessories, rent or purchase breast pumps, and sign up for breastfeeding classes. Andrea says that most of the new mothers take advantage of the services offered by the Center and enjoy the convenience and personal attention they receive.
If you would like more information on breastfeeding, please contact Clark Memorial Hospital at 283-2901. If you have a specific question for Andrea Denbow, please visit http://www.clarkmemorial.organd select Ask A Nurse to send her an e-mail.
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