Breastfeeding makes cents

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8: Bermuda Celebrated World Breastfeeding Day on Monday.

During this period of economic down turn it is an opportune time to present the economic benefits of breast feeding. 

Breastfeeding is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage growth and development. Breast milk has antibodies which help protect infants from germs, illness and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome commonly known as (SIDS). Breastfeeding is linked to lower incidences of ear infections, stomach viruses, respiratory infections, asthma, obesity, diabetes and childhood leukemia.

Lower risk

Women who breastfeed lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes as well as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression. Breast milk is natural and easy to digest it has no additives. Breastfeeding is portable and works on the premise of supply and demand. The more the baby breastfeeds the more milk will be produced. During power outages no need to panic about water and formula, you have a readily available supply of breast milk with no heating required. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Breastfeeding for the first 12 months with exclusive breastfeeding … no liquids or other food for the first six.

Breastfeeding is free. As the infant’s nutritional needs increase the exact content and make up of breast milk will increase to meet those needs. In formula feeding as the nutrient needs increase the cost will increase. To formula feed a child in Bermuda for six months will cost approximately $1,028.  It will be double that for 12 months ($2,300) and additional baby food may be required. To breastfeed an infant for one year there are no costs at all for infant formula. Mom only needs a reasonably healthy diet, family support and a determination to succeed. Imagine the savings at the end of the year. You can use this to open a college fund or make plans for a family vacation.

Know your breastfeeding resources available in Bermuda. These include key health professionals; the Nurse involved in your care, both antenatal and postnatal; the Health Visitor who visits within the first two weeks of life to assist with and support breastfeeding and health promotion; La Leche League and other entities a mother may so choose. Be patient.  It takes time to build confidence to ride a bike for the first time, to drive a car for the first time. Breastfeeding is new to both mom and baby; so be patient and know that with each feed success is evident.

Roxanne Kipps-Jackson is a midwife and health visitor for the Department of Health.