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Benefits of Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are well recognized in both developed and developing countries. Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human baby’s nutritional needs and breastfeeding protects against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children. Although the health advantages for the mom and her baby may be the major reasons for breastfeeding, the desire to experience a sense of bonding with the baby is another important factor (Bai YK, et al. 2009; Guttman N, et al. 2000).

In addition to the physical and mental health advantages of breastfeeding for mothers and their children, there are economic benefits that can be realized by both individuals and the nation as a whole. Optimal breastfeeding practices not only save money in expenditures for infant formula, but also improve the infant health, which means fewer health insurance claims and less employee time off to care for sick kids (United States Breastfeeding Committee, 2002).

Believe it or not, breastfeeding also benefit the global environment. For every one million formula-fed babies, 150 million containers of formula are consumed (La Leche League International, 1995); while some of those containers could be recycled, many end up in landfills. Breastfeeding generally requires no containers, no paper, and no transportation to deliver. This could reduce the carbon footprint by saving precious global resources and energy.

For additional information or resources on the benefits of breastfeeding, please visit: Benefits of Breastfeeding.

Barriers to Breastfeeding

Although the rates of breastfeeding have improved over the last few decades, the rates have climbed more slowly in recent years, especially for exclusive breastfeeding. Here we listed some barriers for breastfeeding:

  • Lack of knowledge: I think that infant formula is equivalent to breast milk in terms of its health benefits, since we have so many commercially prepared formula.
  • Social norms: I feel that I can not breastfeed in public places because of the social stigma and looks I receive.
  • Poor family and social support: I do not want to breastfeed my baby because my husband finds it unattractive and ‘nasty’.
  • Embarrassment: I won’t breastfeed my baby when we are outside, even in a family room.
  • Lactation problems: I want to breastfeed my baby but I don’t have enough breast milk.
  • Employment and child care: I cannot bring my baby with me to work, or I will lose my job.

FAQ’S Surrounding Breastfeeding

Please visit the following for the FAQ regarding breastfeeding. 
Breastfeeding FAQ sheet
Breastfeeding Fact Sheet

 

National Breastfeeding Campaign

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 Our website provides evidence-based interventions to conquer those barriers as well as an evaluation for each intervention based on RE-AIM model.