Despite overwhelming recommendations from leading health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for infants to be exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, a concerningly low percentage of mothers in the United States, and particularly in Florida, are adhering to this guidance.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that only 24.9% of infants nationwide receive exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended duration.
According to UF/IFAS, this figure drops even lower in Florida to a mere 18.2%, placing the state near the bottom of the nation, surpassed only by Mississippi (15.6%) and West Virginia (13.8%).
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This stark reality has prompted concern from experts like Diana Taft, assistant professor of nutrition science in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food science and human nutrition department.
“I worry that Florida’s low breastfeeding rates are due to the belief that infant formula provides the same health benefits of breast milk,” stated Professor Taft. “I also worry the rates are a reflection of our failure to support the women who don’t understand the importance of breastfeeding.”
While acknowledging that various societal and biological barriers prevent all mothers from providing breast milk, Taft emphasizes the significant immunity benefits it offers and urges its consideration whenever possible. In a newly published series of Ask IFAS guides, she meticulously outlines the numerous health advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
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Drawing on her expertise in the infant gut microbiome, Professor Taft explains how breast milk uniquely provides beneficial microbes that actively combat pathogens – a feature absent in infant formula. Furthermore, if a breastfeeding baby falls ill, the mother’s body produces targeted antibodies that are then shared through breast milk, offering crucial protection against common childhood ailments such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and ear infections.
The long-term health benefits for exclusively breastfed infants are also substantial. Research cited by Taft indicates a lower likelihood of developing asthma, type 1 diabetes, allergies, autism, and obesity. Alarmingly, these infants also face a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the tragic unexplained death of seemingly healthy babies under one year old.
“All reasonable efforts to provide breast milk to a baby are potentially lifesaving,” Taft stressed.
Beyond the advantages for the infant, breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for mothers as well. It aids in postpartum recovery by facilitating the shrinking of the uterus and reducing bleeding, while also promoting weight loss. Studies have shown that women who breastfeed experience a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart attack.
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Moreover, breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer, even in women carrying the mutated BRCA1 allele gene, which significantly elevates breast cancer susceptibility. Notably, breastfeeding may also contribute to better mental well-being, potentially reducing the chances of postpartum depression and even promoting an average of 30 minutes more sleep per night for breastfeeding mothers compared to those using formula.
Recognizing that not all mothers are physically able to breastfeed, Professor Taft strongly encourages those facing difficulties to seek guidance from certified lactation consultants. She also mentions galactagogues, substances purported to increase milk production, although she notes that research on their effectiveness remains limited.
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For situations where direct breastfeeding is not possible, donated breast milk from reputable sources presents another option. However, Taft points out that supplies are often limited and prioritized for premature or sick infants. She provides detailed information in her guides for mothers with excess breast milk who are willing to donate.
“Every donation of milk helps save lives,” Taft passionately stated. “I dream of the day when every mother in Florida has access to the breastfeeding support she needs and the knowledge and time to donate to milk banks. Then, even infants born at term whose mothers are unable to nurse can access human breast milk – at least for the first six months of life.”
Professor Taft’s newly released Ask IFAS guide is a valuable resource for mothers and healthcare providers alike. It offers comprehensive information on breastfeeding’s benefits and available support systems.
Increased awareness and access to resources are hoped to help Florida improve its breastfeeding rates and ensure more infants can benefit from the unparalleled advantages of mother’s milk.
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