The medical community is finding ever more ways that breastfeeding benefits babies and mothers. Developing healthy eating patterns that last into childhood is the latest benefit researchers have examined.
This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in the medical journal, Pediatrics, that reveals long-term diet and health benefits for children who breastfed as infants. The follow-up study of 1,500 mothers and babies surveyed mothers about the health and diet of their now six-year old children.
Researchers found that children who breastfed for longer periods during the infant stage ate healthier at the age of six than children who breastfed for a shorter duration or not at all. In fact, these breastfed babies turned out to be six-year olds who:
- Drank More Water
- Ate More Fruits and Vegetables
- Drank less sugar-sweetened beverages such as juice and soda
At age six, these children also had lower odds of ear, throat and sinus infections than other children.
First Foods Matter, Too.
Besides touting the benefits of breastfeeding, the study also highlights the importance of choosing healthy first foods for babies. Children who were exposed to more healthful foods between the ages of six and thirteen months of age tended to have healthier diets at age six. Furthermore, children who drank sugar-sweetened beverages during their first year of life were more likely to be obese at age six. The study supports growing research that taste preference develops early in life.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers
The study also noted weight loss benefits for obese mothers who had breastfed. When their children were age six, obese mothers who had followed the breastfeeding recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) kept 18 pounds less of body weight than obese women who had never breastfed.
Breastfeeding Recommendations
The AAP recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months of life. After six months, babies should continue breastfeeding while also being introduced to solid foods. The Academy recommends that babies breastfeed until at least a year, or for as long as is desired by both mother and baby.
While breastfeeding requires support and can be challenging at times, most women can be successful at breastfeeding. There are actually very few medical reasons why a mother can’t breastfeed her baby. You can learn more about those instances in our Knowledge Center article, When to Avoid Breastfeeding.
At Northern Florida’s All About Women, our compassionate doctors and midwives want our breastfeeding mothers to feel confident and comfortable. Read more about breastfeeding, pregnancy, general women’s health and more, continue browsing our blog or check out the articles above.
And if you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding or general maternity care, contact our Gainesville or Lake City office today to schedule an appointment.
