Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed an infant. International organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Pediatric Association, UNICEF, and the International Lactation Consultant Association promote breastfeeding. In the United States, breastfeeding is promoted by the Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Public Health Association
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend that infants are exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life, at which point complimentary foods should be introduced with breastfeeding continuing for at least 12 …show more content…
Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, type II diabetes, postpartum depression, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and a decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Breastfeeding also has a positive effect on early maternal-infant bonding. Another important benefit to the mother is financial. A 1999 study by Ball and Wright estimated that families who followed breastfeeding practices could save more than $1200 in infant formula expenses during the first year …show more content…
A 2001 study concluded that a minimum of $3.6 billion could be saved annually in health care costs if breastfeeding rates increased to those recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General due to a reduction of otitis media, gastroenteritis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cases. More recently, Batrick and Reinhold’s cost-analysis study determined that if 90% of U.S. families followed the recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the United States would save $13 billion per year. Additional economic benefits include fewer health insurance claims due to better infant health and lower employee absenteeism and turnover
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend that infants are exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life, at which point complimentary foods should be introduced with breastfeeding continuing for at least 12 …show more content…
Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, type II diabetes, postpartum depression, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and a decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Breastfeeding also has a positive effect on early maternal-infant bonding. Another important benefit to the mother is financial. A 1999 study by Ball and Wright estimated that families who followed breastfeeding practices could save more than $1200 in infant formula expenses during the first year …show more content…
A 2001 study concluded that a minimum of $3.6 billion could be saved annually in health care costs if breastfeeding rates increased to those recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General due to a reduction of otitis media, gastroenteritis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cases. More recently, Batrick and Reinhold’s cost-analysis study determined that if 90% of U.S. families followed the recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the United States would save $13 billion per year. Additional economic benefits include fewer health insurance claims due to better infant health and lower employee absenteeism and turnover