We know that breastfeeding is a safe, time-proven feeding method that helps infants to have a healthful start in life.So unless there are contraindications that warrant a woman to not begin or to interrupt or stop breastfeeding (see http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/disease/contraindicators.htm for further information), women should be encouraged and given the necessary tools with which to breastfeed their infants. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has long recognized the value of breastfeeding.
For most women, breastfeeding is biologically possible. Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding (see http://www.4woman.gov/breastfeeding/benefits/#a). Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Also, research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.
What about working mothers?
A common reason cited for not planning to breastfeed is that the mother will be returning to work. Women are a significant part of the work force.
One out of three women will return to work within 3 months of giving birth and two out of three women will return to work within 6 months of giving birth. Many mothers will return within 6 weeks or even sooner.
Until recently, when breastfeeding mothers returned to work, they faced the challenge of maintaining an adequate milk supply. But many employers have discovered that accommodating employees who breastfeed is good business.
The Office on Women’s Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services notes that the health benefits to mother and baby conveyed by breastfeeding translate into reduced costs to employers due to lower health care costs, de-creased absenteeism, enhanced productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and a better corporate image.
It is feasible for women to breastfeed in many work environments. Accommodating breastfeeding is not complicated, but as with other work-site issues, clarifying mutual expectations and understanding local policy will minimize concerns. The key needs are basic: time, a location in which to pump or express the breast milk, and employer-employee communication. When child care is on-site or nearby and schedules are supportive, breastfeeding can continue seamlessly.
—Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, MD, MPH Acting US Surgeon General
US Department of Health and Human Services
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION - Volume 108, Issue 7 (July 2008) – page 1106 Copyright © 2008 by the American Dietetic Association
(For full article see http://www.4woman.gov/breastfeeding/SG_081508.pdf)
I am such a huge fan of breastfeeding! I think it is such a neat and incredibly beneficial practice. I understand that sometimes it is not possible for various reasons, but I think some of those can be overcome. It makes me sad that we are so busy now with our "advanced" lifestyles that we sometimes neglect the simple but crucial parts of life.
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you know how often women are physically unable to nurse because they do not produce breast milk or because of other complications? I am curious.
My family was just talking about breastfeeding just the other day. The benefits, the stigmas. One thing we talked about is that some women produce more milk than their baby needs and can pump and sell the breast milk. But, the breast milk of a mother to her baby is the absolute best!
ReplyDelete