The Benefits of Breastfeeding
At birth, 74% to 81.9% of babies are breastfed. Those numbers decrease dramatically within the first six months of life. It is estimated that only 43.5% to 60.6% of infants are breastfed by the time they reach six months of age (Ricci, Kyle & Carman, 2013). There are some circumstances when breastfeeding an infant is contraindicated, such as in the presence of maternal HIV or active tuberculosis. Breastfeeding should also be avoided if a mother is using illicit substances and with the use of certain prescription medications. Otherwise, there are very few instances when a child’s health prevents them from breastfeeding. It is imporatant that expectant parents receive all of the information needed to make an educated decision as to which feeding method will be used when their newborn arrives. Breastfeeding benefits the infant in a number of ways. One of the reasons why breastfeeding is …show more content…
Breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased incidence of breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, osteoperosis, and type II diabetes in women who breastfeed (Ricci et al., 2013). Although more research must be conducted, there is also a probable link between breastfeeding and a decreased incidence in postpartum depression. The relation between breastfeeding and disease prevention is said to be dose-dependent; Research suggests that the longer a woman breastfeeds her child, the lower the incidence of these specific diseases may be (Godfrey, 2009). The length of time that a woman chooses to breastfeed is dependent upon her own circumstances and preferences, but it is recommended that women exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of the child’s life in order to reap the many benefits that breastfeeding presents to both mother and her