Why should I breastfeed?

Dr Douglas Street, Contributor

It's a good time to take another look at why breastfeeding (not just breast milk) is so highly recommended. In recent times, even the governmental agencies have seen it fit to encourage and facilitate breastfeeding so that babies, mothers, and even the society can benefit.

Breast milk is designed specially for your baby. It changes to fit the needs of the baby. The colostrum, the first milk produced by the breast, contains substances that strengthen the baby's immune system to protect against infections.

In fact, breastfed babies get less gastro-enteritis, ear infections, pneumonia, and kidney, brain and blood infections, and, therefore, there is less need for antibiotic use and hospitalisations. Interestingly, it also reduces the likelihood of an overactive immune system, which may result in conditions like eczema, asthma, and allergies. The gastrointestinal tract also works better, so there is less constipation and colic.

Breastfed children have a higher IQ, enhanced emotional development, less tooth decay, stronger bones. There are fewer unex-plained deaths, and better speech, facial and vision development. It also reduces the risk of childhood diabetes and obesity, and in the long term, heart disease.

So what's in it for mom? Breastfeeding has been shown to have contraceptive properties when done regularly. It also helps with weight loss, helping mothers to get back to their pre-pregnancy dress size. It also helps cut down bleeding after delivery.

Closer emotional bond

Breastfeeding facilitates a closer emotional bond between mother and child. Breast milk is free, sterile, already warm, and always available and ready for use. At night-time, feeding requires less effort and a mother can even sleep during breastfeeding, so she gets more rest.

Breastfed babies are healthier, so there are less health-care costs, time at the doctor's office, time away from work, and stress from having a sick child. There is even less incidence of ovarian, breast, cervical and endometrial cancers in mothers who have breastfed.

How does society benefit? Healthier mothers and babies means reduced burden on the health-care system and greater productivity. All the resources that go into the manufacture, storage, distribution, and preparation of formula would be saved. There is less waste with breastfeeding.

No doubt, there are cases where breastfeeding may put the child in danger, such as when the mother has certain infections or is on certain medications, but for the vast majority of cases, breastfeeding is ideal. Resources and personnel are available to help facilitate the process of breastfeeding for those having challenges with the process.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall, 3 Barnett Street, Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre, Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.