Now, my critics are both alive and active. I have received a number of emails/comments saying I am horrible for suggesting that a mother who does not breastfeed is being unfair to her child. I stand by my thoughts. Keep in mind, ladies, that some mothers cannot breastfeed due to medical complications. In that case they should not feel guilty, but rather should work with their health care professional to see if an alternative will help. If you are physically capable of breastfeeding, then I urge you to do so for a minimum of 6 months.

p.s. I also made a short video and posted it to YouTube.

——————————————

A updated study (as reported in the journal Pediatrics) suggests that billions of dollars could be saved in the United states if mothers breastfed their babies for 6 months. It has been reported that some hospitals push formula even when the mother wants to breastfeed. The study confirms the oft handed down notion that breastfeeding should start as soon after birth as possible.

From the journal’s abstract …

A 2001 study revealed that $3.6 billion could be saved if breastfeeding rates were increased to levels of the Healthy People objectives. It studied 3 diseases and totalled direct and indirect costs and cost of premature death. The 2001 study can be updated by using current breastfeeding rates and adding additional diseases analyzed in the 2007 breastfeeding report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Further more …

The lives of nearly 900 babies would be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 per cent of U.S. women breastfed their babies for the first six months of life, a cost analysis says.

“The health care system has got to be aware that breastfeeding makes a profound difference,” said Dr. Ruth Lawrence, who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics’ breastfeeding section.

The findings suggest there are hundreds of deaths and many more costly illnesses each year from health problems that breastfeeding may help prevent. These include stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, juvenile diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and even childhood leukemia.

Even when Grandpa Richard was raising children (starting 30+ years ago) it was well known that breast milk contains antibodies that help fight infections. It also can affect insulin levels in the blood, which may make breastfed babies less likely to develop diabetes and obesity.

About 43 per cent of U.S. mothers do at least some breastfeeding for six months, but only 12 per cent follow government guidelines recommending that babies receive only breast milk for six months.

If you are a non-breastfeeding mom, like some that have sent me scathing emails over the years, keep this in mind. Why are you not breastfeeding? Is it due to some health-related challenge, or inconvenience? Is it because your family dynamics require you to work full time (ever heard of breast pumps?) or the idea just turns you off?

If you are physically able to breastfeed, consider your child’s future health. Yes, many formula fed babies do just fine, but many people who refuse to wear a seatbelt also live to a ripe old age. The statistics are there. The stats do not say your baby will suffer. The stats say that there is a better chance of great health if they are breastfed.

If possible, I urge you to do what nature intended. If truly not possible, do not feel guilty. If not possible, work with your health care professional to find alternatives that increase your baby’s chance at a great and healthy future.

According to Pampers Parenting Institute pediatrician Dr. Jocelyne Parent, exposing your baby to the harsh summer sun and extreme heat during infancy can cause both major and minor skin irritations, if not looked after properly. Studies show that sunburns in the early stages of life are directly linked to cases of melanoma in adults.

“Taking special care of your newborn’s sensitive skin during the summer helps keep your little one safe and comfortable,” says Dr. Parent. “Choose a comfy diaper for the warmer months; consider trying Pampers Swadders or Swaddlers Sensitive – now recommended by the Dermatology Review PanelTM.”

Here are a few tips from Dr. Parent to remedy common skin irritations:

Sunburn: Infants can burn in less than 15 minutes. In the case of sunburn, give your newborn a lukewarm (not cold) bath to help hydrate and cool off their skin. Apply Aloe Vera to burnt areas to help moisturize. If symptoms worsen, contact your pediatrician.

Diaper Rash: Although diaper rash is a common skin irritation for babies regardless of weather, risks are heightened in the hot summer months. Remember to consistently change your baby’s diaper and consider switching to diapers and wipes developed specifically for sensitive skin.

Heat Rash: If you notice an eruption of tiny bumps in the folds of your baby’s skin, chances are a heat rash has developed. Firstly, cool your baby’s skin off by removing clothing and dabbing off sweat. Try a lukewarm bath with a teaspoon of baking soda.

More information about these topics is available online at www.pampers.ca or www.dermatologyreviewpanel.ca.

News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Breastfed children received better results in verbal, non- verbal and overall intelligence tests and significantly higher academic ratings in reading and writing at the age of six than those who received formula, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund promote breastfeeding, which they say is cheaper, more convenient and may be healthier and better for cognitive development. The study’s findings confirm results from other research that has suggested a positive effect of breastfeeding on intelligence.

CanWest News Service reported that there may be a gene behind the breastfeeding IQ boost.

When it comes to intelligence, it seems breast milk really is best — but only for children with a certain genetic make-up. Scientists have identified a specific gene implicated in the link between breastfeeding and higher IQ in children, suggesting that biology — and not just socio-economics — is involved.

A study published Nov. 5 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that a variant of a gene involved in metabolizing the fatty acids in breast milk determines whether children get an IQ boost from breastfeeding — on average as much as seven points.

Canada.com reported that breastfeeding for longer may lessen weight troubles later in life. Nursing mothers who breastfeed for longer amounts of time may be helping their babies avoid weight troubles later in life, according to research. Results gleaned from 17 studies over the last 39 years suggest an association between the number of months babies are breastfed and the risk of being overweight.

Other factors include:

Breastfeeding may be associated with better bone health later in life. Some studies report greater bone density among women who have ever breastfed compared with women who have not breastfed. Click here for more details on this study

Breastfeeding may also protect mom from breast and ovarian cancer. Click here for more details on this study

Breastfeeding may promote infant acceptance of specific foods, such as fruits and veggies. A study published in Pediatrics found that breastfed infants whose mothers ate more fruits showed greater acceptance of peaches than infants whose mothers formula-fed. Click here for more details on this study

Breastfeeding may help you return to a healthy weight more easily because it requires a great deal of energy. Breastfeeding may also protect your baby from illnesses, such as ear infections, colds, and allergies, and may help lower your risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Click here for more details on this study

Breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of your baby developing allergies. Click here for more details on this study