Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk

University of Texas at Arlington

Introduction The American Academy of pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding or human milk feeding for the first 6 months of life and that breastfeeding or human milk feeding continue as the sole source of milk for the first year. Breast milk contains a more compete protein than cow’s milk-based formulas, is more easily digested, and results in more rapid gastric emptying time. Human milk and colostrum contain immunologic and antibacterial components not available in formula (Pedi Book). Breastfeeding is recognized as the best nutrition for infants. The breast milk provides numerous health benefits to both mother and baby. The advantages include: health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental, psychological, social, economic, and environmental benefits. Breastfeeding is not just a process that a mother has to go through. It is the first relationship an infant will encounter.
The Need
Breastfeeding is highly nutritional, protects from various infectious diseases, decreases rates of sudden infant death syndrome, reduction in insulin dependent (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent (type 2 diabetes mellitus), lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkin disease, overweight, and obesity.
Contraindications
According to the Center Disease Control and Prevention breastfeeding is not advisable if one or more of the following conditions are true: The infant whose mother has been infected with HIV, taking antiretroviral medications, has untreated active tuberculosis, is infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II, is using or is dependent on an illicit drug, is taking prescribed cancer chemotherapy agents, or undergoing radiation treatment (CDC). However, some conditions that are not contraindications to breastfeeding include hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, mothers who smoke tobacco, mothers who have been exposed to low-level environmental chemical agents, mothers who are carriers of cytomegalovirus, and etc.
The Challenge
Obstacles that occur are miscommunication about breastfeeding education during the postpartum period, lack of family support, and no referrals to reputable hotlines, websites, or social media tools. Also, the women are being discharged early from the hospital and that results in inadequate teaching and education regarding breastfeeding.
Recommendations on Breastfeeding for healthy Term Infants
It is essential that after birth of a healthuy newborn that the infant is able to latch on to the mothers breast without any significant help. Education should be given to the parents beforehand and after delivery to ensure successful breastfeeding. Adequate teachings to the parents ensure that the infant has 8-12 feedings at the breast every 24 hours, crying is a indicator of hunger, observation of the mother to proper (positon, latch, and milk transfer).

Conclusion
Breastfeeding provides lifetime benefits to the mother and baby. Breastfed infants are less likely to have ear infections, allergies, vomiting, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, chronic digestive disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and bacterial meningitis. Breastfeeding helps promote bonding between mother and child. Breastfeeding has also been related to possible enhancement of babies' cognitive development. It's good for the mother because it burns more calories; it increases levels of oxytocin, resulting in less postpartum bleeding; it builds bone strength; it helps the uterus return to its regular size more quickly; and it reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.