8-8-06

Breastfeeding

New parents want to give their babies the very best. When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk.

Breast-fed babies are healthier and have fewer infections than formula-fed babies, says Dr. Victoria Nichols-Johnson, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. Dr. Nichols-Johnson explains the benefits of breast milk.

SOUND BITE: " Breast milk contains an important immunological factor called IGA which helps protect babies from upper respiratory infection, gastrointestinal diseases. And now we know that breast feeding or babies who are breast fed receive some protection against long-term obesity, Type 1 diabetes."

Dr. Nichols-Johnson says breast-feeding also has important benefits for mother. It decreases their risk for ovarian cancer, pre-menopausal breast cancer and results in a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight. She has this advice for new mothers.

SOUND BITE: ". . . that babies be breast-fed exclusively for at least six months and then continuing on for at least a year with complimentary foods and beyond that, however mother and baby feel comfortable."

A new mother can learn more about breast-feeding and breast-feeding accommodations in the workplace by talking with her family physician or obstetrician as well as with her employer. Information also is available on the national web site: www.4women.gov.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.