Departments
Health Matters
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Week of 20 February 1998 |
Vol. I, No. 21 |
Health Matters
Breastfeeding usually beats the bottle
I am pregnant for the first time and am considering breastfeeding my baby. Will breast milk be better for my baby than formula?
Probably. The Institute of Medicine, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences and a leading medical authority on the subject of breastfeeding, recommends breastfeeding for healthy full-term infants born with no special complications or medical conditions. Moreover, parents don't need to supplement a breast-milk diet during the first four to six months of their babies' lives, according to Wendy Smith, M.D., obstetrician gynecologist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine. With iron and fluoride supplements, a baby can live solely on breast milk for up to a year.
The return to breastfeeding in recent years reflects both a shift in attitude about "natural" forms of nutrition and a deeper scientific understanding of its advantages over formula feeding. "The components of human milk are designed specifically for human development," says Smith, "whereas formulas, which are usually derived from cow milk, are not. Human milk contains different types and different levels of proteins, amino acids, fats, and vitamins than those found in cow milk. These chemicals play a crucial role in the development of the brain and nervous system. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that human milk contains antibodies that are extremely important in helping babies fight infection. We're also beginning to think these antibodies have some effect on reducing the risk of childhood diseases such as diabetes and lymphoma."
While breastfeeding is recommended, Smith cautions new mothers to be aware that it can be a difficult process at first. "Some babies aren't able to suckle, causing their mothers to become frustrated. The babies sense the frustration and start to cry, which in turn leads to even more frustration. Mothers need to realize that it takes a bit of practice at first," she says. Ask your physician about lactation consultants in the area. Often they are based at your local hospital.
Another common difficulty mothers encounter is sore nipples, usually a temporary problem that can be relieved in a number of ways. Changing the feeding position of the baby until the pain diminishes or alternating among different positions with each feeding are easy adjustments that often help. In addition, the nipple can be iced down before feeding, and some of the milk can be spread around the nipple after feeding to reduce tenderness. Smith cautions against using lanolin or other skin moisturizers for relief because they can cause greater inflammation. Also, avoid using pacifiers, as they change how the baby sucks and can cause the baby to suck harder.
Process begins soon after birth
The mother can begin nursing within the first hour of her child's life. During the first week, the mother produces colostrum, a clear yellow liquid with all the nutrients a baby needs. Colostrum is replaced by milk in the first 7 to 10 days, but the body can take up to three weeks to establish a regular supply.
You have several ways to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk, including carefully observing how often your newborn urinates and has bowel movements. In general, babies feed every two to three hours, which should cause them to urinate approximately six times per day. Some pediatricians recommend avoiding super-absorbent diapers in the first weeks of life so that you can get a clear idea of how often your baby is urinating. Babies should also produce at least one stool per day. If your baby significantly deviates from these patterns, consult your pediatrician.
Don't be alarmed if your baby's weight drops initially; newborns can lose up to 10 percent of their body weight in the first weeks of life. However, if his or her weight drops further, see your pediatrician immediately.
Mothers returning to work who wish to continue breastfeeding have several options. If your baby is in day care near your office, you could breastfeed during scheduled breaks. If this is not possible, you can pump your milk using your hands or a breast pump. Once bottled, the milk should be refrigerated and brought to day care for use the following day. You can also decide to breastfeed when you are with the baby and use formula when separated.
"Health Matters" is written in cooperation with staff members of Boston Medical Center. For more information about breastfeeding or other health matters call 617-638-6767.