Breastfeeding is the practice of a woman feeding an infant (or sometimes a toddler or a young child) with milk produced from her mammary glands, usually directly from the nipples. Babies have a sucking instinct allowing them to extract the milk.
While many mothers choose to breastfeed their child, there are some who do not,
either for personal or medical reasons. Breast milk has been shown to be the
most beneficial feeding method for a child. As with other bodily fluid
transfers, some diseases, such as HIV and HTLV-1 can be passed from the mother
to the infant. Medications may also transfer into breast milk; however, most
medications are transferred in very small amounts and are considered safe to
take during breastfeeding.
Numerous governmental strategies and international initiatives have promoted
breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding the child in the first year –
this supports recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) amongst others.
Beginning lactation
When the baby sucks, a hormone called oxytocin starts the milk flowing from the
alveoli, through the ducts (milk canals) into the sacs (milk pools) behind the
areola and finally into the baby's mouthMain article: Breast milk
Throughout pregnancy a woman's body produces hormones which stimulate the growth
of the milk duct system in the breasts:
Progesterone
Oestrogen
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Prolactin
Oxytocin
Human placental lactogen (HPL).
By the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, the breasts are sufficiently developed
to produce milk (although it is also possible to induce lactation as described
in a later section). Near the time of birth, the breasts may begin to secrete a
thick, yellowish fluid called colostrum (or "beestings"), which is the first
milk the infant receives. It contains important antibodies from the mother's
body providing "immunological protection." Colostrum has less fat and sugar than
mature milk – these substances increase three to four days after birth when the
suckling action of the infant further stimulates the breast to produce mature
breast milk. Colostrum also contains more protein than mature milk.
More Books about Breastfeeding
After the colostrum the breast produces milk on a basis of supply and demand in
response to how often a child feeds and how much milk he or she consumes. The
production, secretion and ejection of milk is called lactation. Some
breastfeeding advisers recommend at least one feeding every four hours to
prevent premature termination of lactation.
The exact integrated properties of breast milk are not entirely understood, but
the nutrient content after this period is relatively consistent and draws its
ingredients from the mother's food supply. If that supply is found lacking,
content is obtained from the mother's bodily stores. The exact composition of
breast milk varies from day to day, depending on food consumption and
environment, meaning that the ratio of water to fat fluctuates. Foremilk, the
milk released at the beginning of a feed, is watery, low in fat and high in
carbohydrates relative to the creamier hindmilk which is released as the feed
progresses. The breast can never be truly "emptied" since milk production is a
continuous biological process.
The let-down reflex
The let-down reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, is the stimulation
of the muscles of the breast to squeeze out the milk by the release of the
hormone oxytocin. Breastfeeding mothers describe the sensation differently, with
some feeling slight tingling and others not feeling anything different.
The reflex is not always consistent, especially at the start of the
breastfeeding process. The thought of nursing or the sound of any baby can
stimulate the process, causing unexpected leakage. Commonly both breasts can
give out milk when one infant is feeding, but this and other problems often
settle after two weeks of feeding. One major cause of difficulties during
breastfeeding is when the mother is in a stressed or anxious state of mind.
Causes of a poor let-down reflex:
Sore or cracked nipples
Separation from the infant
A history of breast surgery
When a mother has difficulties breastfeeding she may try different methods of
assisting the let-down reflex, including:
Feeding in a familiar and comfortable location
Massage of the breast or back
Warming the breast with a cloth or shower
[edit]
Benefits
The benefits of breastfeeding are both physical and psychological. Nutrients and
antibodies are passed through to the baby and the process of breastfeeding
releases hormones into the woman's system. The bond between the baby and its
mother may also be strengthened during breastfeeding.
Benefits for the infant
Breast milk consumption has been linked to a decreased risk for several infant
conditions including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The sucking technique
required of the infant encourages the proper development of both the teeth and
other speech organs.
Numerous health benefits of breastfeeding have been medically documented.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement on
breastfeeding and the use of human milk, "Extensive research, especially in
recent years, documents diverse and compelling advantages to infants, mothers,
families, and society from breastfeeding and the use of human milk for infant
feeding. These include health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental,
psychological, social, economic, and environmental benefits."[1]
Breast milk helps to lower the risk of or protect against:
Diabetes
Gastroenteritis
Diarrhoea
Eczema
Allergies
Urinary tract infections
Chest infections and wheezing
Ear infections
Obesity
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Recent studies show that children who have been breastfed on average score
higher on IQ tests than those babies who have not been breastfed.
Breastmilk, when fed directly from the breast, is immediately available with no
wait and is the correct temperature.
Benefits for the mother
Breastfeeding has also been shown to be beneficial to the mother. The act of
breastfeeding releases hormones which have been found to both relax the mother
and cause her to experience nurturing feelings toward her infant. Breastfeeding
as soon as possible after giving birth increases levels of oxytocin which
encourages a more rapid contraction of the uterus and in turn decreases
postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding can also allow the mother to return to her
pre-pregnant weight as the fat stores accumulated during pregnancy are utilised
in milk production. Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of
menstruation and fertility (known as lactational amenorrhoea) allowing for
improved iron stores and the possibility of natural child spacing. Breastfeeding
mothers experience improved bone re-mineralisation postpartum, and a reduced
risk for both ovarian and pre/post-menopausal breast cancer.
Bonding
The maternal bond is strengthened through breastfeeding,
with the hormonal releases giving the mother positive feelings of nurture
towards the child. Building upon this bond is very important as studies show
that up to 80% of mothers suffer from some form of postpartum depression, though
most cases are very mild. The partner can support the mother in a variety of
ways and is seen as an important factor in successful breastfeeding [2]. This
can also help to establish the paternal bond in fathers.
The relationship between the partner and the child can also be greatly affected
by the act of breastfeeding. While some partners may feel left out when the
mother is feeding the baby, others may see the whole process as a chance to bond
as a family. Breastfeeding, possibly alongside birth-related health problems,
takes a lot of time. This may add pressure to the partner and the family, with
them having to work harder, caring for the mother and performing tasks she would
otherwise do. However, as they are often very willing to show their
supportiveness, this pressure can help to strengthen the family bonds.
If looking after the child while the mother is away, an alternative care
providor may feed the child using expressed breast milk (EBM). Sometimes this
may be impractical as the mother must produce and store enough milk to feed the
child for the duration of her absence. If the two carers are separated feeding
the breast milk may also lead to feelings of awkwardness. These two situations
may lead to a necessity to find an alternative feeding method for the child
either temporarily or by switching to a permanent arrangement. There are a
variety of breastpumps now on the market, both for sale and for rent, that make
it possible for working mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for as
long as they wish.
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