BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive tract, with greater diversity of bacteria being crucial for optimal health and well-being.
The assembly of the gut microbiome during birth and feeding sets the foundation for all developmental pathways which in turn impacts health later in life. According to research, your baby will receive almost 28% of their gut microbes from breast milk and another 10% from the areolar skin around your nipple (1).
Government guidelines recommend breastfeeding exclusively for up to 6 months since any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect, with a longer duration giving greater positive benefits (2). While some mothers simply cannot and others may choose not to, this article outlines some of the positive health benefits for both mother and baby.
For Baby
Provides optimal nutrition, designed for your baby
Breast milk is packed full of key vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, sugars and hormones your baby needs for growth and development. During the first few days following delivery, the mother’s breasts produce a thick, yellow substance known as colostrum which is rich in protein, packed full of beneficial nutrients to provide energy and support development of your baby’s digestive tract. The breasts then start to produce milk according to your baby’s individual needs, providing the optimal nutrients, a diverse range of beneficial bacteria, antibodies and unique human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), all working together to nurture your baby’s microbiome and providing support for their developing immune system. Inoculation of baby’s microbiome through breastfeeding is vital for the development of their immune system, especially since 70% of our immune cells reside in the gut.
*According to Public Health England it is advised that all babies under 1 should supplement with 8.5-10ug of Vitamin D daily, unless fed with 500ml of fortified formula milk (3).
Protection from a number of infections and diseases
· Breast milk contains important white blood cells and antibodies, predominantly SIgA, needed for immune support and protection. Similarly, if the mother is exposed to a bacteria or virus, she will produce her own antibodies which are passed onto the baby through breast milk (4,5).
· Studies have shown a reduced risk and therefore hospital visits due to gut infections (6,7,8,9,10), respiratory infections (6,7,8,9) and developing cold, throat and ear infections (9).
· Associated with a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes (5,9) and type 2 diabetes, with lower blood glucose and insulin levels seen in infancy (11).
· Some research suggests that breastfeeding during introduction to gluten may offer protection against the development of celiac disease (12).
· Promoting a healthy weight and prevention against childhood obesity (2,7,13,14). Breastfed babies are able to self-regulate their milk intake and therefore help to develop healthy eating patterns according to their needs.
· Protection from the development of allergies and asthma (15).
For Mum
Reduced risk of disease
Research shows a lowered risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes (16,17). It has also been associated with a reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancer (2,18).
Bonding between mother and baby
Breastfeeding encourages skin to skin contact and the intimacy can help to build an incredibly special bond between mother and baby. The brain releases a surge of the hormone oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone”, before feeding and while baby is suckling. Once breastfeeding is established, your baby’s brain will also release oxytocin every time they see, smell or hear you. One study showed that this may also play a role in reducing the risk of postpartum depression, due to its anti-anxiety and calming effects (19). Another added bonus of oxytocin production is that it encourages contractions and protects from excess bleeding, helping the uterus to return to its previous size.
Saves time, money and stress
Your breast milk is totally unique to you and contains the perfect nutrition your baby needs to grow and develop in the first 6 months of life. It is completely unique to you! What’s more, is that it’s readily available without any need to sterilise bottles and is completely free!
References
1. Pannaraj, P., Li, F., Cerini, C., Bender, J., Yang, S., Rollie, A., Adisetiyo, H., Zabih, S., Lincez, P., Bittinger, K., Bailey, A., Bushman, F., Sleasman, J. and Aldrovandi, G., 2017. Association Between Breast Milk Bacterial Communities and Establishment and Development of the Infant Gut Microbiome. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(7), p.647.
2. nhs.uk. 2020. Benefits Of Breastfeeding - NHS. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/benefits-breastfeeding/>
3. nhs.uk. 2020. The New Guidelines On Vitamin D – What You Need To Know. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/the-new-guidelines-on-vitamin-d-what-you-need-to-know/>
4. Sadeharju, K., Knip, M., Virtanen, S., Savilahti, E., Tauriainen, S., Koskela, P., Akerblom, H. and Hyoty, H., 2007. Maternal Antibodies in Breast Milk Protect the Child From Enterovirus Infections. PEDIATRICS, 119(5), pp.941-946.
5. Schlaudecker, E., Steinhoff, M., Omer, S., McNeal, M., Roy, E., Arifeen, S., Dodd, C., Raqib, R., Breiman, R. and Zaman, K., 2013. IgA and Neutralizing Antibodies to Influenza A Virus in Human Milk: A Randomized Trial of Antenatal Influenza Immunization. PLoS ONE, 8(8), p.e70867.
6. Ip, S., Chung, M., Raman, G., Chew, P., Magula, N., DeVine, D., Trikalinos, T. and Lau, J., 2007. Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries. Evid Rep Technol Assess, 153, pp.1-186.
7. Ip, S., Chung, M., Raman, G., Trikalinos, T. and Lau, J., 2009. A Summary of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Evidence Report on Breastfeeding in Developed Countries. Breastfeeding Medicine, 4(s1), pp.S-17-S-30.
8. Quigley, M., Kelly, Y. and Sacker, A., 2007. Breastfeeding and Hospitalization for Diarrheal and Respiratory Infection in the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study. PEDIATRICS, 119(4), pp.e837-e842.
9. Duijts, L., Jaddoe, V., Hofman, A. and Moll, H., 2010. Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding Reduces the Risk of Infectious Diseases in Infancy. PEDIATRICS, 126(1), pp.e18-e25.
10. Rosenbauer, J., Herzig, P. and Giani, G., 2008. Early infant feeding and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus—a nationwide population-based case–control study in pre-school children. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 24(3), pp.211-222.
11. Owen, C., Martin, R., Whincup, P., Smith, G. and Cook, D., 2006. Does breastfeeding influence risk of type 2 diabetes in later life? A quantitative analysis of published evidence. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(5), pp.1043-1054.
12. Akobeng, A., Ramanan, A., Buchan, I. and Heller, R., 2005. Effect of breast feeding on risk of coeliac disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 91(1), pp.39-43.
13. Qiao, J., Dai, L., Zhang, Q. and Ouyang, Y., 2020. A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Obesity. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 53, pp.57-66.
14. Harder T et al., (2005). Duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight: a meta-analysis. Am. J. Epidemiol. 162, 397–403
15. Greer FR et al., (2008). Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breast-feeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods and hydrolysed formulas. Pediatrics. 121, 183–191
16. Schwarz EB al., (2009). Duration of lactation and risk factors for maternal cardiovascular disease. Obstet. Gynecol. 113, 974–982.
17. StuebeAM et al., (2005). Duration of lactation and incidence of type 2 diabetes. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 294, 2601–2610.
18. Luan, N., Wu, Q., Gong, T., Vogtmann, E., Wang, Y. and Lin, B., 2013. Breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(4), pp.1020-1031.
19. Stuebe, A., Grewen, K. and Meltzer-Brody, S., 2013. Association Between Maternal Mood and Oxytocin Response to Breastfeeding. Journal of Women's Health, 22(4), pp.352-361.