Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Breastfeeding - the right start for every infant

This week is WBW which stands for World Breastfeeding Wrestling! (Just kidding. But that is what I always think when I see the initials.) It actually stand for World Breastfeeding Week which is celebrated August 1st through 8th each year. La Leche League groups around the world have walks, picnics, fundraisers, and family friendly events to show support and raise awareness about the Innocenti Declaration. You can get involved in your area by looking up an event at the WBW website.
 "Breastfeeding - the right start for every infant ... If all babies and young children were breastfed exclusively for their first six months of life and then given nutritious complementary food with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age, the lives of an additional 1.5 million children under five would be saved every year." from the WHO website


In honor of this glorious week of exposure (ha!) here are a few amazing facts about breastfeeding, that should be celebrated every day of the year!

1. Colostrum contains an antibody (IgA) only available to the baby by breastmilk (it is not passed through the placenta) which protects the baby from germs which enter the baby from the throat, lungs, and intestines. These germs are only a problem after delivery and therefore the mother provides this for the infant at its time of need (delivery) through colostrum. These antibodies are most plentiful a few hours after birth so it is important to feed the baby during this time. (From The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League)

2. Body fat of a breastfed infant is different from that of a formula fed infant. The fat in breastmilk contains high levels of cholesterol which not only help the brain and nervous system develop but may protect the grown adult from having high cholesterol levels.

3. A substance found in breast milk can kill cancer cells, reveal studies carried out by researchers at Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

4. Human milk lactoferrin is patented for use in killing E. Coli in the meat packing industry.


5. Human milk has over 300 ingredients, including interferon, white blood cells, antibacterial and antiviral agents, while formula has only 40 ingredients.

6. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released during breastfeeding. This hormone makes mom feel relaxed and sleepy and contributes to mother/baby bonding. 



To find out more amazing facts or get more information get out to your local La Leche League meeting, Support the cause by donating to LLL, reading more on the efforts of WHO, supporting the Breastfeeding Initiative at your local doctor offices and hospitals! 

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