The milk of baby's health: Nutritious, medicinal, it is best for the little ones
By: BRADLEY J. FIKES - Staff Writer | ∞
It was an indelicate subject that bordered on indecent, according to Victorian mores. Certainly not something to be flaunted publicly.
The subject was breast-feeding.
For most of the 20th century, American society preferred to tuck away references to this act, which after all is as natural as life itself. And that's the stigma associated with just talking about it. Actually nursing a baby in public was a lot more difficult. Unless the nursing mother stayed at home with her infant, she needed to constantly find locations where she could discreetly feed her baby, and many times a day.
Breast-feeding mothers encounter less disapproval today, as medical research has accumulated about its benefits. But it's still sometimes viewed as a "lifestyle choice," said Suzanne Unger of Wildomar. Unger is a leader in La Leche League of Temecula Valley (www.lalecheleague.org). The group is a breast-feeding information and support group of mothers who have breast-fed. Formed in Chicago 50 years ago, the group gets its name from the Spanish word for milk.
La Leche League's name is a defense against this prudery, said Monique Coleman of Temecula, another group leader. The name is a euphemism for breast-feeding that, among other things, made it possible for the group's meeting notices to be published in newspapers.
The group defines its mission as helping mothers who have already decided they want to breast-feed, not to persuade mothers who don't want to breast-feed.
But pediatrians have no such limitation: They strongly endorse breast-feeding as the gold standard of infant nutrition. Breast-fed babies are healthier and less apt to become obese than those not breast-fed.
Babies should be fed only breast milk for the first six months and continue to be breast-fed until at least 1 year of age, according to a 2005 policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's available at http://tinyurl.com/5p8fx.
The National Women's Health Information Center puts the matter more sternly. Instead of stressing the benefits of breast-feeding, it lists the "Health Risks of Not Breast-feeding." Go to: http://tinyurl.com/kfc7d for more information.
Living medicine
Breast milk is far more than food; it's medicine and a living tissue that gives the vulnerable newborn some of the strength of the mother's immune system.
It's a wizard's broth of proteins, vitamins, growth factors, fats and disease-fighting substances such as antibodies. Live white blood cells, some of which lodge in the baby's intestines, also fight disease. Breast milk also varies over time in composition in accordance with a baby's needs.
There is a 21 percent lower death rate in American infants who have been breast-fed, compared with those who have not been breast-fed at all, according to a May 2004 study in the journal Pediatrics. The study examined mortality statistics of infants between the ages of 28 days and 1 year. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/eucbw for the study.
Breast-fed babies not only survive better, they are healthier than those fed formula. The beneficial effects extend well into adolescence and perhaps beyond. Breast-fed babies have lower rates of respiratory diseases, childhood leukemia, obesity and a lower level of the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol.
They also cope with stress better, according to a study published this month in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Moms, too, get a significant health benefit from breast-feeding. There's a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the Nov. 23, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Several studies indicate that breast-feeding is associated with a reduced rate of breast cancer.
The great majority of mothers in California try to breast-feed, according to a study released Aug. 7 by the UC Davis Lactation Center. More than 83 percent of new mothers who enter the hospital start out breast-feeding,
However, the good intentions often don't last long. Only about half the mothers are feeding their babies only breast milk when they leave the hospital. The rest add supplements such as formula; the remainder never breast-feed at all.
San Diego County ranks in the middle of the state in exclusive in-hospital breast-feeding, according to the California WIC Association and the lactation center. The county ranks 29th out of 50, with a 57.5 percent rate of exclusive breast-feeding. Riverside County ranks 35th, with an exclusive rate of 44.3 percent.
Marin County is first, with a 95.5 percent rate of exclusive breast-feeding. Imperial County is last, with 5.3 percent.
Mother to mother
Coleman, the Telemecula La Leche League leader, was eager to breast-feed her first baby, now 4. Coleman prepared for her baby while pregnant by attending the group's meetings. She also talked with her mother and thought herself well-prepared.
But the happy vision of blissful mother and child didn't materialize. Coleman's new daughter had trouble getting the right "latch" onto the nipple. Result: sore breasts and a frustrated, hungry baby.
Coleman turned to La Leche League. She learned she had inverted nipples, which couldn't fit easily into the baby's mouth. So Coleman got a nipple guard, a thin perforated piece of silicone placed on the breast. By sucking on it, the baby got her milk, and the nipple was drawn outward.
After a few weeks, the nursing was much easier. She continued nursing until the child was just over 2 years old and stopped suckling of her own accord.
"I would just say to any woman who is going to have a baby and wants to breast-feed, getting information is very helpful, but it may not be enough. You can meet a network of mothers through La Leche League and get support, mother to mother."
Coleman now is breast-feeding her second daughter, who is 10 1/2 months old. This time, she said, things are going more smoothly.
Staying close
Fewer than 5 percent of mothers are physically incapable of breast-feeding, said Nancy E. Wight, M.D., a neonatologist at the Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Wight is a member of the California State Breast-feeding Promotion Committee and an International Board Lactation consultant.
For the remaining 95 percent plus of mothers, successful breast-feeding is a matter of getting the right information and persistence, Wight said.
Even a short period of breast-feeding is better than none at all. The first breast milk, called colostrum, is produced for the first few days of breast-feeding. Colostrum has high levels of carbohydrates, proteins and antibodies. It is low in fat, which newborns have trouble digesting.
After colostrum comes the regular milk, which has lower concentrations of these ingredients but is produced in higher volume. That change reflects the increased capacity of an infant's stomach, which at birth has the capacity of a marble. That's why newborns have to be fed so often ---- at least eight to 12 times a day.
The benefits of breast-feeding accumulate as the child grows older. Wight said infants and toddlers can benefit from breast-feeding for much longer than the one-year minimum recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Protection from disease is one of the biggest benefits. "The child's immune system isn't completely formed until four, five, six years," Wight said.
During that time, the mother passes on her immunity to diseases through breast milk, Wight said. Skin-to-skin contact helps that process because it ensures the mother is exposed to any germs the baby is exposed to.
Even the most vulnerable babies of all, those born prematurely, benefit from this close contact. In what's called "kangaroo care," a diapered "preemie" is placed on the bare chest of a parent. If it's the mother, the baby is snuggled between the breasts. The practice calms the baby, helps bonding and encourages milk production.
Previously, doctors had worried that parents would bring in germs that would harm the infant, Wight said. But today's thinking is the opposite: Skin contact and transference of immunity through breast milk help preemies survive the nasty germs that are prone to spread in hospitals.
Solving problems
While attitudes today are friendlier toward breast-feeding, modern women face logistical hurdles their mothers and grandmothers usually didn't face. Many mothers work and either cannot afford to give up their jobs or find it difficult to fit in continual breast-feeding with their work.
La Leche League spokeswomen such as Coleman and Dana McCoy, a La Leche League leader in San Marcos, say these problems are solvable. That's where the mother-to-mother advice comes in. Women who have faced these problems before can directly counsel the new mother on what to do.
"I love the camaraderie and the problem-solving. ... We're all mothers, doing the best we can in the time we have," said McCoy, who had her first daughter 16 years ago. After her second daughter, McCoy decided to step up her involvement with La Leche League and become a leader.
The leaders, who are volunteers, go through an accreditation process.
"We're not medical professionals and we can't solve every problem, but we can provide a lot of good information," McCoy said. If expert advice is required, La Leche League refers mothers to the appropriate professionals.
There is no cost or obligation for La Leche League support, McCoy said.
"Many of those do become members, and we appreciate that, but there is no requirement that they do. It is a free and available resource."
Contact staff writer Bradley J. Fikes at bfikes@nctimes.com or (760) 739-6641. Comment on this story at www.nctimes.com.
Call your baby's doctor if:
Source: San Diego Breastfeeding Coalition www.breastfeeding.org
On the Net:
Local breast-feeding information:
La Leche League of Temecula
http://www.lllusa.org/web/TemeculaCA.html
Palomar Pomerado Health Lactation Services
(800) 628-2880
Tri-City Medical Center (760) 940-7745
Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas (760) 633-7850
La Leche League of San Diego
http://www.lllusa.org/web/SanDiegoCA.html
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition
(800) 371-6455 (MILK)
Information on breast-feeding a list of local breast-feeding resources and free lactation education programs for businesses:
http://www.breastfeeding.org
Southwest Healthcare System
http://www.ivrmc-rsmc.com/p1071.html
Rady Children's Hospital San Diego
http://www.chsd.org/body.cfm?id=613
Breast-feeding classes
Fallbrook Hospital
Classes are part of a six-week course on prepared childbirth. The course takes place at the hospital from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays in Conference Rooms A & B. For more information or to sign up, call (760) 728-1191, Ext 481.
Palomar Pomerado Women's Health Connection Boutique
(Breast pumps for rental or purchase, and other breast-feeding accessories sold.)
(858) 613-4894
15725 Pomerado Road, Suite 100, Poway
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays
San Marcos Ambulatory Care Center
(Palomar Pomerado Health)
120 Craven Road, Suite 103, San Marcos
1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays
More classes listed online at http://www.pph.org/body.cfm_id=11b.htm
Palomar Medical Center/Birth Center
555 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido
Register online at: http://www.pph.org/body.cfm_id=11b.htm
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
"Breast-feeding Your Baby." One session ---- 2.5 hour classes held at the hospital, 345 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. Classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays on these dates: Sept. 6, Oct 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Registration required. Call (800) SCRIPPS for more information and to register.
Southwest Healthcare System
10 a.m.-noonTuesdays
Inland Valley Medical Center
36485 Inland Valley Drive, Wildomar
Enter through hospital lobby to Main Conference Room, down hallway on right side.
10 a.m.-noon Fridays
Rancho Springs Medical Center
25500 Medical Center Drive, Murrieta
Go to Administrative Services Building (across from the Emergency Department entrance) Classroom 2 or Conference Center.
For more information, call (951) 696-2621.
Tri City Medical Center
Breast-feeding classes held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays on Sept. 11; Oct 16; Nov 13 and Dec. 11. Held at the hospital, 4002 Vista Way, French Rooms. Sign up at http://referrals.intellicare.com/enhanced/classSearch.asp?Facility=47044 or call (760) 940-5784.
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K. wrote on Aug 20, 2006 7:47 AM:Thank you for the informative story on breastfeeding! I would agree that it is sometimes the lack of support from friends, family, society and at work that causes many women to terminate breast feeding earlier than the recommended one year mark. Women in our society need more support for doing what is BEST for their children - breastfeeding them. Thanks again.
Nicole wrote on Aug 20, 2006 8:24 AM:I am thrilled to see the NC Times print an article which not only includes the benefits of breastfeeding, but also the many resources available to help new mothers. I breastfed my son for three years -- until he stopped on his own -- but the first few weeks were hard, and I needed the support of friends, family and the La Leche League. It is so important for new mothers to realize that breasfeeding does not always happen easily....but if you stick with it, and seek out lots of support, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Thank you NC Times, for telling Moms just how important it is for our babes to breastfeed!
Kim wrote on Aug 20, 2006 8:44 AM:I am so happy to see this article. Its great that all the benefits were finally put to public. I hope that all new moms are now able to find the help they may need with breastfeeding. When I had my daughter in Feb I found out that I had flat nipples. I too had to use the nipple Shield. Luckly we only needed it for only a couple of weeks and we weaned my daughter ASAP. My daughter is now 6 months old and still exclusively breastfed. We are not planning on indroducing solids until atleast 9 months old. I am hoping to still be breastfeeding at least once a day when she is three for the extended health benefits. Thanks againi NCT for a brilliant story!
Elaine wrote on Aug 20, 2006 10:23 AM:What a wonderful article! Thanks so much for highlighting natures perfect food!
Jessica Welch wrote on Aug 20, 2006 1:54 PM:Thank you for this article. If it gets one more mom to BF her baby then it's an article well done!!!
Sarah wrote on Aug 20, 2006 2:19 PM:As a breastfeeding mother of twins, I'd like to thank you for your article on the benefits of breastfeeding. It's such important information about the short and long-term health of our children, I only wish it were on the front page! So many new mothers give up breastfeeding because they lack support or information, and can be further discouraged by the "stimga" that exists - that breasts are something sexual and that breastfeeding should be hidden away as if its something embarrassing and shameful. The images on TV of bottle-fed babies reinforce this idea that bottle-feeding is the norm and breastfeeding must therefore be something alternative or weird (when was the last time you saw an infant being nursed on a TV show? Or a baby older than 6 months, when there is a huge drop-off in breastfeeding rates?) Feeding our babies the way our bodies were meant to feed them is one of the most natural, beautiful things that we as mothers can do for our children. If a mother chooses to feed their baby a different way, that is her choice, but lets make sure she has the right information and support to make her decision. Thank you for publishing an accurate, fact-filled story, and for including valuable resource information. This is important information that affects everyone in our families!
Cynthia wrote on Aug 20, 2006 3:01 PM:Great article, it needs to be out there how important breatsfeeding is for all the reasons you mention, including others such as deep bonding with the mother, and calmer, happier children.
Teresa M. wrote on Aug 20, 2006 4:58 PM:Thank you for a great article. Even while pregnant, I was welcomed at the La Leche League meetings. Having that circle of support and phone numbers to call for mother-to-mother support was a wonderful resource after my baby was born. Monthly meetings were helpful as well as starting a local LLL weekly parkday. Attachment Style Parenting groups offer great socialization and vital support for breastfeeding moms too.
Halfway There (redux) wrote on Aug 20, 2006 5:00 PM:The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years, but there is still a lot of stigma attached to breastfeeding toddlers in public. While it is fabulous that more women are initiating breastfeeding, the average duration is still dismally short. According to the CDC, only 6.7% of women are breastfeeding at 18 months--that's only a year and a half! According to Anthropologist Kathy Dettwyler, humans tend to wean naturally between 3 and 4 years of age. As a society, one of the best things we can do to protect and enhance the health of our children is to support extended breastfeeding. We still have a long way to go.
M wrote on Aug 20, 2006 5:54 PM:Glad to see this story published here in SD. Thank you for sharing such important information to a large population. I hope it encourages more Moms to breastfeed.
Bridgett wrote on Aug 20, 2006 6:44 PM:We all know that breast is best, but women who breastfeed in public are still stigmatized, especially when they breastfeed for more than a year or two. I hope to see a day when breastfeeding is the norm, rather than the exception. Thanks, NCTimes, for doing your part to make this dream come true. The children will thank you, too.
Semele wrote on Aug 20, 2006 11:12 PM:What a terrific article. Thanks so much for publishing such important information, and doing it so well.
MS wrote on Aug 20, 2006 11:37 PM:I'm glad to see an article that helps to remind us all the benefits of breastfeeding. I will save this and show it to family and friends when they complain about extended breastfeeding.
Laurie wrote on Aug 21, 2006 6:18 AM:Thanks for reinforcing the benefits of breastfeeding not only for babies but for moms as well.
belinda wrote on Aug 21, 2006 9:07 AM:thanks so much for your emphasis on importance of breastfeeding. i am a nutritionist and i preach it.thumbs up for you for a noble course
Carol wrote on Aug 21, 2006 4:45 PM:Thank you for such a positive and accurate article on breastfeeding. All women (and men)need to read articles like this to know the importance of feeding our babies the way nature intended. It is so much more than food. Breastfeeding creates a bond between mother and child, offers immunity from illness,in the present and future, and establishes a healthy approach to discipline for the future. Why do we focus so much energy on the wrong things in the society -- oil, pop culture, scandal, junk food -- when we should be teaching each other how to care for our babies and raise humane, healthy, bonded individuals?
Kathleen L. wrote on Aug 21, 2006 7:26 PM:Great Pro BF'ing article! It's such a relief to see our prudish, irrational, American mentality about breastfeeding changing. It's wonderful to see more mothers taking a stand for their child's RIGHT to nurse in public!
Christina wrote on Aug 21, 2006 8:24 PM:Thank you for this informative article on breastfeeding. The more accurate information like this for people to read, the better! As a first time mother to a breastfed 8 month old, I have had a lot of help from lactation consultants, friends, and family to aid me in my effort to provide the healthiest food possible for my child. I was fortunate enough to have a nurse place my baby on my chest after birth for "kangaroo care" as mentioned in the article-even though I had a C-section! My daughter was born a little on the small side, but she spent our entire stay at the hospital either on mine or my husband's chest. She gained so much weight by the time we left, the dr didn't believe her weight from the night shift and weighed her again before releasing her! I also breastfed her within the first hour of her birth. I hope this article reaches those women who are considering breastfeeding.
Amy wrote on Aug 22, 2006 12:32 PM:Thank you for publishing this great article. I received several negative comments while nursing my baby in public. It hurt when I knew I was doing what was best for my child's health and was always as discrete as possible. Education is always best and this article helps. Thanks so much!
Marilyn wrote on Aug 22, 2006 5:05 PM:Awesome! Finally an article on breastfeeding that doesn't skirt the issue. Our society is so concerned with being politically correct and accepting other people's 'choices' that we don't always say what needs to be said. Excellent and well researched article.
Armorica wrote on Sep 13, 2006 5:10 PM:So far I've been lucky enough to breastfeed 2 boys. The first until he was 20 months, then I gave birth to my second, and my oldest suddenly weaned himself because it was "Babies Milk". However with my 2nd boy I had SO much pressure to wean the little guy (around only 18 months) that I gave in. Everyone around me had me convinced that he didn't need to be nursing...I regret making a decision like that based off of others beliefs and not my natural instinct as a mother. My son wasn't ready to wean yet, he cried and cried nights and I hate that. BUT I know now that I need to pay attention to my Mommy insticts and not the pressure from relatives or friends. So all of you out there that aren't mommy's PLEASE support the decision of the lady that gave birth to that little bundle of joy and if she decides to provide a God given substance to her child for however long she believes is right...then by all means don't make her stop. Wonderful ARTICLE!
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