By: Mission Healthy Living
August 06, 2019
Most moms attempt to breastfeed their child, starting in the hospital. However, the percentage of moms breastfeeding when their child reaches six months is just 57.6%. When the child reaches one year old, that figure is as low as 35.9%.
Women stop breastfeeding for various reasons—including returning to work, introducing solids, etc. However, there are many benefits for moms and babies when a mother is able to breastfeed for one year, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For babies, the benefits of breastfeeding are almost too numerous to list. In summary, breast milk is a perfect source of nutrition for babies. The milk will even change as the baby ages to accommodate their evolving needs. In addition to the physical benefits, the closeness of breastfeeding holds mental health benefits and helps form an emotional bond.
According to the CDC, breast milk also lowers a baby’s risk for a host of ailments:
- Asthma
- Type 2 diabetes
- Eczema
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Ear and respiratory infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Obesity
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
But the benefits aren’t all for the baby. Study after study has shown how breastfeeding moms can also lower their risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain types of breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Despite all the benefits, breastfeeding is not for all moms. Some women find breastfeeding too painful, have lactation issues, or their baby never latches. Moms in these situations shouldn’t stress or feel guilty, since there are plenty of healthful nutrition options for babies.
To learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, visit the CDC or Womenshealth.gov website.