Recent studies suggest that breastfeeding may be an effective strategy for helping to prevent childhood obesity. For example, a study of 32,200 Scottish children observed at 39-42 months showed that the prevalence of obesity in these preschool-aged children was significantly lower among those that had been breastfed. Another study, conducted in Germany, analyzed data on 9,357 five- and six-year-old children and concluded that breastfeeding in infancy was a protective factor against obesity in these school-aged children, and that the protective effect increased as the duration of breastfeeding increased. In the US, an analysis of 15,000 children nine to fourteen years of age found that children who had been exclusively or mostly fed breast milk for the first six months of life had a significantly lower risk of being overweight in adolescence than did children who had been exclusively or mostly fed formula.
In addition to preventing obesity, scientific research has proven that breastfed infants have a healthier start in life. Breast milk provides the optimum balance of nutrients for infant growth and development as well as protection against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Although infant formulas are closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for nutritional quality, the exact composition of breast milk cannot be duplicated.
Because breastfeeding provides an intimate interaction between mother and infant, it is impossible to determine at this time whether weight control is associated with the physiologic qualities of breast milk or the feeding and parenting patterns associated with nursing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers feed their infants with breast milk exclusively for the first six months. To move closer to that ideal, the Healthy People 2010 goals are: 75% of women will initiate breastfeeding; 50% of women will continue breastfeeding for six months; and 25% of women will continue breastfeeding for one year.
Breastfeeding initiation rates may vary from one region to another in Montana. Overall, the initiation rate in the state is 82% — higher than the Healthy People 2010 goal. However, fewer than half of all Montana infants are still receiving any breast milk at six months. Evidence collected by NAPA staff through focus groups and interviews with key informants around the state suggests that women stop breastfeeding prematurely for a variety of reasons, including:
- Embarrassment
- Low maternal motivation
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Lack of education/misconception (not enough milk to feed baby)
- Lack of health care provider support and overall lactation support and promotion
- Work-related obstacles
- Returning to work
- Lack of family support
- Lack of access to peers or health care professionals who can help with breastfeeding difficulties
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