Breastfeeding is important for a baby’s good health. But it can be especially vital during an emergency situation such as a flood, tornado or snowstorm, according to the Texas County Health Department.
When the power goes out, roads are closed and stores are shut down, and there is a lack of water and sanitary conditions. Breastfeeding becomes the most convenient and safe way to feed infants.
The advantage of breastfeeding during an emergency is the focus of this year’s Missouri Breastfeeding Month, which is observed annually during August.
“Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a new mother can make to benefit the health of her child-under normal circumstances as well as during emergencies,” said Debbie Baty, nutritionist and breastfeeding consultant at the health department.
Health experts agree that breastfeeding benefits a baby’s health throughout life. Breastfeeding helps the development of a baby’s brain as well as aids in the growth of the immune system to withstand ailments such as diarrhea, ear infections and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts.
Breastfeeding also reduces a baby’s risk of environment-borne illnesses, food sensitization and allergies. In addition, babies who are breastfed exclusively for at least six months have a reduced risk of obesity later in life.
Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding, helps the mother return to her pre-pregnancy weight sooner, boosts her immune system and even reduces a diabetic mother’s need for insulin. Women who breastfeed also have increased protection from breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.
In addition to the health benefits, breastfeeding also has economic advantages. Depending on the brand of formula used and the amount a baby eats, breastfeeding can save a family from $1,500 to $3,500 a year.
Medical costs are also reduced because breastfed babies have fewer health problems. Nationwide, more than $1 billion in extra health care costs is spent every year on infants who are not breastfed.
During the past several years, the breastfeeding initiation rate among Missouri mothers has steadily increased. However, many women are still not breastfeeding their babies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67.5 percent of mothers initiated breastfeeding their babies at birth in Missouri in 2005, but only 30.5 percent of infants were still being breastfed at six months of age. The CDC’s national Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding goals are 75 percent at birth and 50 percent at six months old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for approximately the first 6 months of life and continue to be breastfed – while food is being introduced – until the baby is at least 1 year old.
“Support from family members, friends and health care providers is important in order to increase the number of women who breastfeed their babies,” said Baty.
More information about the benefits of breastfeeding can be obtained by calling the health department at 417-967-4131 or visiting www.dhss.mo.gov/breastfeeding.