The Workplace Benefits Indirectly
Feeding infants the natural way is at an all-time high in the United States, with about 77 percent of new mothers breastfeeding at least for the first few months, according to survey data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The health benefits of breastfeeding are known for babies, but now there is evidence that breastfeeding also has advantages for the workplace.
“Employers find that breastfeeding actually keeps moms from spending time away from the office because their babies are healthier,” says Ann Marie Kalata-Cetin, DO, a Cleveland Clinic pediatrician and lactation (breastfeeding) advocate. “I think there’s a growing acceptance in industry and they’ve realized that it helps moms come to work.”
Other health benefits
Studies have shown that children who have been breastfed develop fewer health problems such as diabetes, asthma, allergy, skin problems, Crohn’s disease and lymphoma. One of the main benefits of breastfeeding for infants is the passing of antibodies from mom to baby.
“The biggest benefit of breastfeeding has always been its effect on the immune system. The mother is giving the baby her own antibodies that help protect the baby from disease. The thought is that they also help fight off infection in infants,” Dr. Kalata-Cetin says. That’s because infants have not yet had time to build up their own antibodies.
Higher IQs in breastfed babies?
Meanwhile, research from Canada and Belarus suggests that breastfed children have higher intelligence scores and do better academically than non-breastfed peers. The researchers observed the children for about six-and-a-half years.
“These studies showed that breastfeeding may increase IQ points. The variables affecting intelligence have always been socioeconomics, genetics and mothering skills, as well as time and attention. Even with that, this research suggests that mothers who nurse are different and more involved with their babies. All of this contributes to the baby’s neurological development,” Dr. Kalata-Cetin says.
Ideal time frame
The ideal length of time for breastfeeding is one year, but breastfeeding can be extended if desired. Many mothers don’t breastfeed for that long, and Dr. Kalata-Cetin says it’s important to consider what both mother and child want.
“The recommendation is to breastfeed for as long as it’s mutually agreeable. If mom is doing well and baby is doing well, you wouldn’t have to stop at a year – you could continue to breastfeed. But if mom is stressed and working, or if breastfeeding doesn’t work out for other reasons, then what you’ve given the infant is good and you simply start supplementing with breast milk substitutes,” she advises.
Related content:
Breastfeeding for a Lifetime of Good Health
Breastfeeding in the First Weeks
