The Magic of Breastfeeding

Still searching for the most nutritious food, formula, or supplement for your babies?  Believe or not, breast milk is actually the safest, the most complete, and most natural nourishment and protective medicine they could have! Be patient and persistent and read on as Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Clinical Dietitian Lynn Zhang tells you why breastfeeding rocks!

Breast milk vs commercial formulas

Though the current formula industry does an excellent job at developing infantile formulas that have very similar components to breast milk, some unique ingredients that are naturally found in breast milk are still irreplaceable. Available research has concluded that mother’s milk produces immune cells that are specific to each baby to defend against diseases. It also produces natural hormones/growth factors, anti-cancer factors, and digestive enzymes to promote better digestion, overall health balance, and growth (1,2,3). Nowadays, some formulas contain probiotics and prebiotics. However, breast milk is better at formulating the optimal pro- and prebiotic environment for babies (1,2,3).

The benefits of breastfeeding for infants

1. Preventing disease 

Breast milk is a natural medicine that strengthens babies’ immune systems and protects them from common diseases. Newborns have not developed complete immunity like adults have. When interacting with their babies by kissing, hugging, and smelling them, moms can detect their defensive needs and produce corresponding anti-infectious factors as well as immune cells in their breast milk (2). Numerous studies show that exclusively breastfeeding a baby can effectively prevent infantile infections of the ears, lungs, GI tract, and skin and decrease their risk of developing asthma, food allergies, and food intolerances among other diseases (2,3). The incidence of childhood and adulthood obesity, type I and II diabetes, hypertension, acute leukemia, and mortality in breastfed babies is also lower when compared to formula-fed babies.

2. Boosting IQ 

Research has shown that breastfed babies, especially those that are exclusively breastfed for over the first three months of life, scored significantly higher on intelligence tests and teacher ratings (4). 

3. Promoting the development of the jaw and teeth 

Breastfeeding helps babies exercise their facial muscles, promoting strong jaw development. Meanwhile, the pressure that builds up during breastfeeding optimizes oral bone structure, which enhances dental and facial structure development. This can also help promote speech ability when the child gets older (5). 

4. Reducing the risk of overfeeding 

It takes much more effort for the baby to breastfeed than it does to drink formula. When the baby gets full while breastfeeding, they will withdraw themselves or fall asleep. In addition, breast milk is easier to digest than formulas. Therefore, it is harder to overfeed breastfeeding babies (1,3). 

The benefits of breastfeeding for moms

1. Boosting health 

Clinical evidence supports the fact that breastfeeding can be effective for mothers when it comes to weight control, preventing postpartum depression, and reducing the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type II diabetes among other diseases (2).

2. Bonding emotionally

Holding your baby, smelling them, having skin and sensational contact, and gazing at each other during lactation will all help develop the emotional bond between you and your child. This will play an important role in developing the baby’s sense of security and happiness for years to come. 

3. Saving pennies 

The current pricing of infant formula (in 900 g cans) in China ranges from RMB 180 to over RMB 400 (USD 28-63). Until the age of six months, babies drink on average one or more cans in a week. By breastfeeding, you can to save RMB 720-1,600 (USD 112-252) or more each month.

Duration of exclusive breastfeeding 

To get these benefits, it is recommended that mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth and that babies breastfeed exclusively for at least six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you continue to breastfeed until your child is one year old, while the WHO recommends two years. Unfortunately, a WHO survey found that “worldwide, only 40% of the infants less than 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed” (1).

Breast milk is an amazing nutritional gift that moms can offer to their babies. Do not wait until it’s too late to seek help from BJU’s dietitians and lactation experts if you’re struggling to breastfeed your baby!

Lynn Zhang is BJU's American-trained Clinical Dietitian. She speaks English and Mandarin. To make an appointment with her, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

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References 

1. World Health Organization (WHO). 10 Facts on Breastfeeding. Updated on Aug, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/

2. Office of the Surgeon General (US); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US); Office on Women's Health (US). The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support  Breastfeeding. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2011. The Importance of Breastfeeding. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52687/

3. American Academy of Pediatrics (ADA). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk: Section on Breastfeeding. Pediatrics Mar 2012, 129 (3) e827-e841; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3552

4. Horta BL, de Sousa BA, de Mola CL. Breastfeeding and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 May;21(3):174-178. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000453. PubMed PMID: 29389723.

5. M, Johnson. Breastfeeding builds a better jaw and other benefits for babies. U.S. News and World Report: Health. Retrieved from: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/08/29/breastfeeding-builds-a-better-jaw-and-other-benefits-for-babies. Jul, 27th, 2018.