Breast milk protects babies

Dr. Stephen Sears

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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In August we celebrate National Breastfeeding Week. Over the last 30 to 40 years increasing research and evidence shows that while it can be challenging, breastfeeding really is a healthier way to raise children the first year of life. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends breastfeeding for the first six months.

It can protect babies against infections and reduce the rates of later health problems like diabetes, obesity and asthma. The proteins in breast milk are more easily digested than formula or cows milk. These proteins have great infection protection properties.

Another component of breast milk is a compound called lactifernon which inhibits the growth of iron dependent bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. There's also a compound called Secretory IGA which protects the infant from viruses and bacteria that the mom, baby and family are exposed to. In addition, there is lisozyme which is an enzyme that protects the infant against other types of bacteria and finally a compound called bifidus factor which supports the growth of beneficial bacteria that protects the baby against harmful bacteria.

Human milk contains fats, vitamins, carbohydrates and other body chemicals. Breast milk has a perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins and other minerals which make it an ideal food.

According to a recent study from researchers at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and the University of Rochester NY breastfeeding for the first six months makes a difference in the baby's ability to resist infection. In this study the parents of 2,277 children, between six and 24 months of age, answered questions about whether their baby's breastfed, for how long; and how often their babies had respiratory infections or symptoms including ear infections, colds, flu, and pneumonia or wheezing.

Babies who were fed only breast milk for the longest span of time, six months or more, had lower rates of pneumonia and ear infections. Stopping breast feeding between four and six months of age doubled the odds that the infant would experience three or more ear infections in the first year of life.

For mothers, breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract and bleeding to decrease after delivery. It can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and provides a great way for mothers to bond with their babies.

Because breast feeding is so natural it seems like there really should not be any problems and it would just occur just naturally. But like anything, you need to learn a little about breast feeding to make it work well. That is why most hospitals, including MaineGeneral, have lactation consultants who are individuals trained to help women begin breast feeding, learn the best techniques and make the experience more successful.

Breast feeding is so important that there are both national and local initiatives to try to encourage new mothers to breast feed. Hospitals are developing programs called "Baby Friendly Programs" to encourage breast feeding. MaineGeneral is preparing to become a nationally-certified Baby Friendly early next year.

Dr. Stephen Sears is an infectious disease specialist, Senior VP of Medical Administration and Chief Medical Officer for MaineGeneral Health.