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Breastfeeding Advantage
September 15, 2008 |
In recent decades the number of American mothers who breastfeed has been as low
as 29%. But right now researchers estimate that about 70% of mothers are
breastfeeding. But many pediatricians say that’s still not enough.
“We live in a society where things are fast and easy, ready to go and you know
breastfeeding is a little more work,” says Dr. Thomas Schiller who is a
pediatrician with Lee Memorial Health System. He adds that when it comes to
breastfeeding your kids a little work could pay off in a big way. “We know
breastfed babies have much fewer ear infections, pneumonias, their colds don’t
last as long, and they are healthier. We say their immune system works better,
it does.”
Breast milk does help to make a baby’s body healthy but the nutrients it
provides can also do wonders for a child’s brain development. “There are some
studies that show breastfed babies are smarter than formula fed babies. Now that
is an undersold message.” Some studies even measure the I.Q. of children who
were breastfed versus those who were fed standard baby formula. Dr. Schiller
says most studies found “children who were breastfed were between two and five
IQ points higher compared to those who were fed standard formula.”
The World Health Organization recommends that new mothers try to breastfeed
their babies the first twelve months or longer. Many formula developers are now
adding different kinds of nutrients their products to help stimulate brain
development in babies. |
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