Q: What are the benefits of breast-feeding for the baby?

A: There are many benefits of breast-feeding for babies. Just a few of them are: decreased allergies, decreased ear infections, decreased risk of obesity, decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, decreased risk of several cancers, decreased risk of juvenile diabetes and increased IQ. Preterm babies who receive breast milk have better survival rates and fewer of the complications common to preterm babies. In addition to the health benefits to infants, breastfeeding increases the bonding of mothers and babies.

Q: Are there benefits for the mother?

A: Yes, there are many benefits for the mother. We should think of breastfeeding as a way to improve the mother's health also. Women who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. There is also a decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The extra calories mom's body uses in producing the breast milk can also help in losing the extra weight gained during pregnancy. An added bonus!

Q: Is breast milk a better substance than formula?

A: Breast milk is the natural way to feed a baby it is human milk for human babies. There are many substances in breast milk not in formula, including antibodies which actively protect the baby from illness. Breast milk constantly changes to meet baby's needs. Formula is artificial baby milk. However, for families who are not able to breast-feed or choose not to breast-feed, formula is manufactured to sustain the baby's growth. Formula does not contain the antibodies or other substances to protect the baby from illness, as breast milk does. There is no formula manufactured which compares to providing the health benefits of breast milk from a healthy mom.

Q: Are there breastfeeding benefits to society?

A: Yes, there are many. No natural resources are spent in the production of breast milk. For moms who are able to breastfeed exclusively, there is nothing to throw away; no bottles and nipples filling up the land fill. No energy is used to cool or heat breast milk or water utilized to wash bottles and nipples – so, breastfeeding is environmentally friendly. Many infant lives could be saved each year simply by breast-feeding, according to research published in the journal Pediatrics, April 2010. Those infants can grow up to be productive members of society.

Q: What are the economic benefits?

A: Healthier babies and children mean fewer health care dollars spent on doctor and emergency room visits; fewer health care dollars spent at the pharmacy; and fewer hospitalizations. Costs to purchase formula through the first year of life are now estimated at $2,000. Government costs to provide formula through the WIC program are in the millions of dollars. A recent government report states $3.6 billion could be saved if breast-feeding were the norm in this country.

Q: What can be done to promote support for breast-feeding?

A: Health care professionals are becoming more supportive of breastfeeding families. New mothers need to know about the benefits of breast-feeding so they can make an informed decision about whether to nurse or not. Everyone can be more supportive of any mothers who are breast-feeding, whether to provide private pumping areas at work or private areas in shopping malls or other public places. Family members may provide encouragement to new moms and families who are nursing. We need to be sure information provided to new families is fact based so couples can make the best decision for their family. Getting correct, evidence-based information out to the public is important.

Q: What are some reliable sources of information for moms and parents-to-be?

A: There are many great resources today on the Internet. You can type in any breast-feeding question and get help, or see a video on latch and positioning, pumping or breast hand expression. Just be sure to be aware of the source of the information, and check several different sites. La Leche League is a great fact-based resource. St. Luke's offers birthing and parenting classes throughout the year class listings may be found on the St. Luke's website at www.sluhn.org. Information on classes and services may be directed to St. Luke's InfoLink at 1-866-STLUKES (1-866-785-8537).

Victoria Geiger is a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with St. Luke's Health Network.