8/12/08

Breastfeeding

New parents always 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:   “ . . . one of the biggest benefits of breastfeeding is the immunity that it conveys upon the baby.  We know that breastfeeding allows babies to have a reduced chance of respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and now we’re seeing several other benefits – reduced incidence of obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and other problems . . .” 

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:   “. . . babies should be exclusively breast fed for six months.  And then breastfeeding should continue up to a year with the addition of other foods.  And then beyond a year as long as 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.