If you are wondering where to stand on the breastfeeding v. formula debate, some new research may make that decision a little clearer.
A mass study published that past Wednesday in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that exclusively breastfeeding your baby for at least six months could cut your chance of dying from cancer and all other diseases by 17%. This includes an 8% reduction in dying by heart disease alone.
Previous studies on breastfeeding have primarily looked at the affect on the baby or the short term health benefits to the mother, such as weight loss.
“No previous study has investigated the association between breastfeeding and mortality in the mother,” lead researcher Anne-Claire Vergnaud said. She added that “failure to breastfeed” related to an increase in premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and diabetes.
The study also confirmed previous findings on health benefits to the baby from breastfeeding including less likelihood of adult obesity or even being overweight, which reduces risk for seven different types of cancer as well as diabetes.
AICR Director of Research, Susan Higginbotham explains the connection between breastfeeding and longevity, “Physical changes in breast tissue that accompany milk production provide some protection as well.” Since breast tissue cells are shed during lactation, the cancer risk is decreased. She adds, “Because cells have potential DNA damage get shed before they can spark the cancer process.” Also, longer breastfeeding helps by reducing menstrual cycles and the lifetime exposure to hormones such as estrogen that can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Only 16% of US women exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months and 36% breastfeed exclusively for three months, so many American women are clearly missing the health benefits for themselves and their babies that exclusive breastfeeding has to offer. 47% of women in the U.S. breastfeed the first six months while also supplementing with formula.
Clearly the breast is best not only for your baby and for helping with your pregnancy weight loss, but also for your long-term health, reduced chance of cancer and overall longevity. That’s a powerful reason to breastfeed your baby!
National Breastfeeding Week was launched in Koforidu as a part of the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. The Theme is “Understanding the Past, Planning, the Future, Celebrating 10 years of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding; Reviving Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative In Ghana.”
It seems every week now there is some major controversial news item and photo over breastfeeding in public. The latest stemmed from a photograph of two Air Force servicewomen, Tarran Eshegoyen-McCabe and Christina Luna, breastfeeding their babies in uniform. The photo of Echegoyen-McCabe was a bit more revealing as she was nursing twins simultaneously and showing some skin in the process. People have called this act “a disgrace” and there have been all sorts of negative comments over these two working women feeding their children while on a break.
Actress Slema Blair has been talking about when she will breastfeed her baby and we are proud to say that it is anytime anywhere. She’s been heard to say that she doesn’t care whom she offends.
I just found these really cool breastfeeding hospital crib cards from the CDC.
If you are looking for one more reason to breastfeed your baby, consider the latest research on the link between breastfeeding and lower asthma rates in children. According to two new research reports, breastfeeding increases lung volume which makes babies and children less susceptible to get asthma.
Out and about for the holidays, new celebrity mamas have been showing off their cute bundles of joy this week! Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott showed off the first pictures of their precious new family addition, baby Hattie. Born October 10th, Hattie is adorable cuddled up in Tori’s arms. Joining big brother Liam and big sister Stella, as well as Dean’s son Jack from his previous marriage, we could not be happier for the beautiful family.
Also spotted out this week was Jessica Alba with her baby Haven, just four months old. Haven joined big sister Honor earlier this year, and the adorable family has only gotten cuter. Jessica and Haven were out purchasing a Christmas tree, and Haven was bundled up in a furry vest. Jessica wore a flowing knit sweater that would go perfectly with a great pair of skinny jeans and one’s favorite winter boots. So precious!
Alyssa Milano was another mom spotted with her baby this week. Alyssa posted a picture of herself and her adorable three month old son Milo in their garden. They look so cute all cuddled up together! When speaking to Best of Babes, Alyssa spoke of the importance of breastfeeding to her, stating, “I think the thing I like best about breastfeeding is the closeness I feel to Milo and knowing that he’s getting the best of me.” She also explained how it is hard for her to breastfeed in public, due to the paparazzi. “I wish I could breastfeed in public without feeling as though a picture would show up on TMZ,” she says. “… When we go out I bring a bottle of expressed milk because sadly, I’m just not comfortable feeding him in public.”