Benefits and Burdens of Breastfeeding

Emma Calvert
SFL 210
December 11, 2014

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Benefits and Burdens of Breastfeeding
Introduction
Welcoming a baby into this world is perhaps one of the happiest days of parents lives.
However, with that happiness comes many questions and dilemmas as couples try to raise this
little life on their own. One of the most pressing questions is whether to breastfeed or to use
formula to feed your child for the first year or more of the childs life. It is perhaps one of the
most important decisions for the baby in that first year of life. It is a controversial topic because
it is such a personal issue that affects social issues, traditions of the past, and most importantly, it
affects the baby. After looking at the benefits and downfalls of both options, scientists have
supported breastfeeding as the better option. In their official statement, the American Dietetics
Association stated, It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that exclusive
breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of
lifeBreastfeeding is an important public health strategy(Position, 2009). Research shows
that breastfeeding leads to many health benefits including physical, mental, and relationship
health for the mother and the child. However, the father is often forgotten but plays a vital role
in breastfeeding and there is a social cost that many people consider more than the benefits.
Physical Health
Although, it may seem unpopular, humans were meant to start life with their mothers
milk. That is the way Heavenly Father designed it. Also in the design was the perfect
combination of nutrients to provide the baby with everything that it needs for its first vital
months of life. Beginning with colostrum and evolving into mature milk, breast milk changes
itself to fit the babys needs (Position, 2009). It contains, adequate amounts of carbohydrates,
essential fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides, long-chain

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polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol to supply the baby with all it needs (Position,
2009). It is the perfect, all-natural, completely renewable formula available to families.
Breastfeeding an infant provides them with antibodies that not only protect against ear
infections, but also boost immunity overall and prevents diarrheal disease (Mansbacher, 2012).
Babies who are breastfed also have less risk of Sudden Instant Death Syndrome (Mansbacher,
2012). They are also protected against many diseases and allergies including otitis media,
gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, sudden infant death syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis,
obesity, and hypertension (Position, 2009). Notice that some of these illnesses affect the
child in infancy, but many of them are chronic illnesses that may be able to be avoided by
making the choice to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is also vital for brain development. As
previously stated, breast milk contains essential fatty acids, growth factors, and hormones that
aid in brain development to set the child up with the best foundation possible for brain health
(Mansbacher, 2012). Breast milk sets the child up for optimum health both in their infancy and
throughout their lifetime.
Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mothers physical health. Studies have shown a
correlation between breastfeeding and lower risk for breast and ovarian cancer (Kennedy, 1994).
Some research says that Breast Cancer risk can be reduced by as much as 4.3% (Position,
2009). Also, if a mother stays nourished during nursing and breastfeeds for the first year of
infancy, she will reduce her risk of bone loss, which is associated with Osteoporosis, a common
disease that often affects women in their old age (Kennedy, 1994). Maternal Depletion, the lack
of energy or micronutrient deficiencies that accompany multiple births, can also be avoided by
breastfeeding an infant for the first year of life. Women who breastfeed also report having an
easier time losing the weight they gained during the pregnancy due to the energy lost in feeding

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the baby (Mansbacher, 2012). When breastfeeding, a mother does not usually continue her
regular menstruation cycle, which is beneficial in many ways. The first is that she does not
easily deplete her iron stores so she is less easily iron deficient. The second reason is that
nursing acts as a form of birth control, which in developing countries can significantly reduce
unplanned pregnancies and increase the spacing of subsequent births (Position, 2009).
Surprisingly, breastfeeding also improves the mothers sleep and blood pressure before and after
feeding the baby, both of which are caused by the release of oxytocin during feeding (Position,
2009). Mothers should seriously consider such significant benefits when choosing how to feed
their new infant, especially those in developing countries who lack quality health care.
Mental Health
For every mother, the dramatic change of having a baby can be overwhelming. For nine
months, the child is apart of her and entirely dependent on her. She feels every movement and
kick, experiencing every step with the baby along the way. However, once she has the baby,
there is a separation that takes its toll on the mother. Her world is changed physically,
emotionally, mentally, and socially. She is no longer the only influence in the childs life and the
baby is gradually gaining independence. Postpartum depression is a serious mental condition
many mothers go through after giving birth to a child. It is characterized by all the normal
symptoms of depression as well as an overwhelming worry about the baby or complete
disinterest about the baby. Breastfeeding at a mental level increases a mothers confidence in
her parental abilities, which lessons the anxiety of postpartum depression as well as being seen as
an empowering experience (Kennedy, 1994). One study showed that nursing mothers scored
significantly lower than their formula feeding counterparts on widely used depression tests
(Bigelow, 2012). These mothers were also tested for cortisol in their saliva at different points

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and those breastfeeding for one month had significantly lower levels of cortisol indicating that
the mothers physiological stress was less than those who did not breastfeed. This may be
attributed to the physiological benefits of breastfeeding that come to the child such as less crying,
easier time falling asleep, and more of a schedule in other areas which would reduce both
maternal but also paternal stress (Bigelow, 2012).
Breastfeeding also affects the cognitive abilities of the child. On average, a breastfed
baby has an IQ that is 4.9 points higher than a formula fed baby (Mansbacher, 2012). Children
who are breastfed for 6 months or more are likely to have higher test scores and increased
academic performance compared to those who are breastfed for less than one month. In addition
to mental capacity, the risk for mental illness in children who are breastfed is significantly lower
(Mansbacher, 2012). Stealing, lying, hyperactivity, and anxiety are less likely in adolescents and
adults that were breastfed, as well as less hostility, anger, cynicism, and paranoia (Mansbacher,
2012). The relationship between mother and child that is formed during nursing leads to more
confident adult children that are mature, self-assured, and interpersonally secure (Mansbacher,
2012). Breastfeeding acts as a protection for the childs mental health as well as the mothers
mental health, significantly reducing risk of mental illness in both mother and child.
Relationship Health
The close contact that breastfeeding gives the mother and baby also influences the
relationship between mother and child as well as the childs future relationships. As previously
mentioned, the mother released oxytocin while breastfeeding. Oxytocin is often referred to as
the bonding hormone and is released when you embrace someone. It leads to secure attachment.
Not only is the oxytocin level in a nursing mother higher, but also because the baby is in close
contact with the mother even more oxytocin is released in the mother and thus the maternal bond

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is even stronger. The bond the mother feels leads to positive parenting practices and thus a
healthier relationship between mother and child (Bigelow, 2012). Because a nursing mother has
to be more in tune with her baby before and during nursing, breastfeeding mothers tend to be
more sensitive to childrens needs and signals (Bigelow, 2012). This puts in a foundation of
positive mother-child interactions that will set the stage for the future of their relationship. A
combination of being in tune, being less depressed, and also the increased amount of interaction
with the child, a mother who breastfeeds will often feel more securely attached and have a
healthier relationship with her child through at least preschool (Bigelow, 2012). From the
opposite perspective, one study showed that maternally-neglected child were four times more
likely to have been bottle-fed rather than breastfed (Bigelow, 2012). A strong mother-child
relationship, more easily founded on breastfeeding, leads to greater success in general for the
child throughout their life and confidence for the mother that she is a capable parent.
Unique Role of Fathers
There is a very important third party in the breastfeeding situation: the father of the child.
Fathers play a vital role when it comes to decided to breastfeed as well as continuing to
breastfeed through the first year. One study found that 83.3% of women considered their
partners preference for feeding practices was the biggest factor in deciding whether or not to
breastfeed (Pavill, 2002). Furthermore, if the father is not around to provide emotional support
for the mother, the mother may prematurely wean her child (Pavill, 2002). Although many
fathers see the benefits of breastfeeding to baby and mom, once breastfeeding starts, fathers often
have feelings of jealousy both for the bond the mother makes with her child and also the time
and effort the baby takes away from the mother (Pavill, 2002). The best way for a father in this
situation is to do everything possible to be a part of the process (Pavill, 2002). This includes

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providing support while the mother breastfeeds whether that is talking to her or holding her hand,
or making sure she and baby are in a comfortable position. Much of the process of nursing
fathers can take part of. For example, after the mother feeds the baby, a father could burp or
change the baby, or talk to the baby frequently in between feedings. The oxytocin mentioned
earlier can also play a role in bonding with the father. If the father gives the baby skin-on-skin
contact or massages after a bath or just cuddle time, it will quickly improve the bond between
father and child. This will not only improve father-child relationships, but also alleviate some of
the stress from the mother and strengthen the marriage relationship, making the parents feel like
equal partners. Fathers should keep in mind that their wives need their emotional support and
need to be reminded that breastfeeding really is the best choice (Pavill, 2002). It is important for
fathers to understand their role in breastfeeding and just how important it is for his wife and
child.
Social Cost
The alternatives to breastfed babies are not nearly as inexpensive as Mother Natures
version of infant nutrition. While breast milk is completely free, formula can cost more than
$800 per year (Mansbacher, 2012). If the vast majority of infants were breastfed, it would save
the United States 13 billion dollars in health care costs annually (Lawrence, 2012). Although
there is a hefty financial cost to formula feeding, many people still opt out of breastfeeding for
formula because of the social burden that breastfeeding brings with it. Breastfeeding rates are
actually on the rise, but formula companies and avid bloggers often encourage formula as the
next best thing and special constituents of human milk that enhance brain growth and protect
against disease; however this simply is not true (Lawrence, 2012). Often, mothers are
bombarded with media convincing them to formula feed, or they lack support from their

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community. Their community can include family members who are not comfortable with them
breastfeeding as well as companies that do not provide enough paid maternity leave or support
mothers trying to pump at work (Lawrence, 2012). This is perhaps the biggest barrier for new
mothers. The United States has one of the shortest maternity leave averages, which force
mothers to use formula, putting their own and their childs health at risk. Another hindrance to
breastfeeding is lack of education. As mentioned before, breastfeeding has long been proven to
be the best option for infant nutrition and health, however media often displays it as a
controversial subject, completely ignoring sound scientific research (Lawrence, 2012). The lowincome and lower education level populations are the least likely to breastfeed purely because
they do not know any better (Lawrence, 2012).
Ways to Promote and Support Breastfeeding
Perhaps the main reason why women are choosing not to breastfeed is because of the
financial pressure of needing to return to work. Maternity leave in the United States is grossly
low on average. In countries where maternity leave is generous, for example Norway, 40% of
mothers are still breastfeeding at 12 months (Smith, 2013). This is a shockingly high percentage
and it would be in the public healths best interest that America reform to alleviate the pressure
for working mothers. Employers should do their best to promote and educate their employees on
options for lactating mothers, like longer paid maternity leave and support in taking daily breaks
to feed or pump. The irony of the situation is that mothers often return to work because they
want to do the best they can to provide for their new baby, while they fail to realize that it is by
going back to work that they fail to provide the very best thing for their child and its future.
Considering all the health benefits, mothers given longer maternity leave will actually have to
take less subsequent days off of work, thus it would benefit employers, families, and the health

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of the public (Smith, 2013). Policy change begins small so individuals must choose to support
Breastfeeding and legislation that encourages working moms to nurse their children.
Many hospitals and organizations are trying to implement education programs for new
and expecting mothers in these populations as well as a push for breastfeeding to be taught in
public schools as a natural part of newborn life (Lawrence, 2012). When a woman is pregnant,
she and the father should be adequately taught about what to expect when breastfeeding, bother
the benefits and the obstacles (Pavill, 2002). Fathers often see breastfeeding as unattractive and
time consuming, but if they are educated on the complete benefits, they will choice what is best
for their wives and children. Hopefully, this will alleviate the social and cultural burden that
nursing mothers often feel. Many places in the world, it is socially acceptable and expected to
breastfeed babies in public. It is time that America follows suit for the health of everyone.
Conclusion
Emotional distress, physical exhaustion, and general anxiety are all common when it
comes to adjusting to life with a new baby. However, there is one choice that should be easy for
parents to make. It is plain to see that breastfeeding is the obvious choice when it comes to
infant nutrition, however often it is not possible for mothers to breastfeed. Furthermore it all
comes down to agency and it is every mothers choice of how to feed her child. It is important to
keep in mind Christ-like principles of respect, love, and support no matter what choice a mother
makes. However, if possible breastfeeding is the best choice. The American Dietetics
Association concluded their statement by informing mothers that, Breastfeeding is an important
public health strategy for improving infant and child morbidity and mortality, and improving
maternal morbidity, and helping to control health care costs (Position, 2009). Breastfeeding
will set your child up for a healthy, happy life now and for the rest of their lives.

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References
Bigelow, A. (2012). Effect of Mother/Infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum depressive
symptoms and maternal physiological stress. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and
Neonatal Nursing, 41(3), 369-382.
Kennedy, K. I. (1994). Effects of breastfeeding on women's health. International Journal of
Gynecology and Obstetrics, 47, S11-S21.
Lawrence, R. (2012). Breastfeeding triumphs. Birth, 39(4), 311-314.
Mansbacher, J. (2012). Breastfeeding benefits. Pediatrics for Parents, 28(1 2), 28.
Pavill, B. (2002). Fathers & breastfeeding. AWHONN Lifelines, 6(4), 324-331.
Position of the american dietetic association: Promoting and supporting breastfeeding. (2009).
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(11), 1926-1942.
Smith, J. (2013). Workplace support, breastfeeding and health. Family Matters, (93), 58.