A new government report boasts good news about breastfeeding, long considered the ideal form of nutrition for babies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that nearly three-quarters of new moms surveyed in 2004 said they were nursing their newborns. That's an all-time high.
But the downside is that many aren't continuing for 6 months or more as doctors recommend. About 30% of the moms were giving their babies only breast milk at 3 months old and the numbers dropped to just 11% by the 6-month mark.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other major health organizations in recommending exclusive breastfeeding (that is, without offering formula, water, juice, non-breast-milk, or food) through at least the first 6 months. And, if both mother and baby are willing, nursing should ideally continue — after food is introduced at 6 months old — until 12 months (and beyond).
Though formula does provide babies with the nutrients they need, breast milk is much easier for babies to digest and naturally contains all the vitamins and minerals a newborn requires. Studies also show that nursing can lower the occurrence or severity of diarrhea, and lower respiratory infections and ear infections. Breastfeeding also may provide babies with protection from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, eczema, and asthma. Plus, studies show it decreases nursing moms' risk of type 2 diabetes and ovarian and breast cancer.
What This Means to You
Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding, nurturing experiences of motherhood. But it can definitely be challenging, too, which is often why many women stop early.
Here's a look at a few common nursing hurdles and how both you and your baby can get past them to keep the breast milk coming:
- Going out and about and back to work. Once breastfeeding is established (usually after about a month), a breast pump can give you some welcome freedom. And when your maternity leave is up, you can pump at work and maintain your regular nursing schedule before and after work (nursing infants get sick less frequently, which often means that their moms need to take fewer sick days). And don't worry about "losing your milk" — when you nurse and pump, your milk supply adjusts and will be just as plentiful as ever.
- Baby suddenly doesn't want to nurse. Breastfeeding "strikes" are very normal and often last only a few days. Any number of things could cause a temporary strike, including teething, an ear or mouth infection, a stuffed-up nose, your own stress levels, or schedule changes. To help get your feedings back on track, spend more time with your baby; give extra affection while nursing; and try breastfeeding in a dimly lit, distraction-free area when your baby is sleepy.
- Biting. A normally pleasant experience can become painful when babies' chompers start coming in and they playfully treat breasts like teething toys. But correctly positioning your baby (with much of your areola far back in your baby's mouth) makes it nearly physically impossible for your baby to bite you. You can also help nip biting in the bud by pulling your baby closer to you to make pulling off harder. When nibbles do happen, say, "Please don't bite Mommy" and offer a teething toy instead.
If you're having trouble pumping or your baby is biting on a regular basis or seems uninterested in nursing over a span of a few weeks or longer, talk to your doctor and/or a lactation consultant. Despite the occasional curveballs, the longer moms can breastfeed, the better.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2007
