Speakers Bureau Series BREAST FEEDING AND USE OF HUMAN MILK

Transcription

1 Speakers Bureau Series BREAST FEEDING AND USE By Farooq Abdulla, MD Board Certified Pediatrics, Neonatal / Perinatal Medicine Southern Nevada Neonatal Services, Inc. 1

2 Recently published research and systematic reviews have reinforced the conclusion that breast feeding and human milk are the reference normative standard for infant feeding and nutrition. Given the documented short and long term medical and neuro-developmental benefits and advantages of breast feeding, infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue and not just a lifestyle choice. 2

3 The AAP reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breast feeding for about six months, followed by continued breast feeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breast feeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant. Infant growth should be monitored with the WHO growth curve standards to avoid mis-labeling of infants as under weight or failing to thrive. 3

4 Ten steps to successful breastfeeding: Give the newborn infant no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated Practice rooming for infants and mothers, 24 hours a day Encourage breastfeeding on demand Give no artificial nipples or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge 4

5 Why is Breast Feeding and Human Milk so important for the infant?: Human milk is uniquely suited to the infant s nutritional needs and the biochemical, physical, immunological, and neurodevelopmental effects of breast feeding and lactation forever change the mother and the baby. 1. It is a perfect nutrition for the infant 2. Enhanced neurocognitive development 3. Stronger immune function 4. Significant reduction in infectious diseases, as respiratory infections, otitis media, NEC, SIDS, asthma, obesity, etc. 5. Decrease risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother. 5

6 Deceased Mortality In the US 900 infant lives can be saved if 90% of mothers exclusively breast feed for 6 months In the 42 developing countries in which 90% of the worlds childhood deaths occur, exclusive breast feeding for 6 months and weaning after one year is the most effective intervention, with the potential of preventing more than one million infant deaths per year, equal to preventing 13% of the worlds childhood mortality 6

7 Health Benefits 72% reduction in risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections in the first year 50% reduction in the risk of otitis media, if exclusive breast feeding for 3 months 64% reduction in GI tract infections 77% reduction in NEC, in preterm infants 36% reduction in SIDS 52% reduction in developing celiac disease 31% reduction in in the risk of childhood inflammatory diseases 15 to 30% reduction in obesity 30 to 40% reduction in the incidence of diabetes 27% reduction in the incidence of asthma and atopic dermatitis 7

8 Psychological Effects Breast feeding may help to lower the risk of post partum depression, a serious condition which may be seen in 13% of mothers The sense of bonding more closely with their babies is the most important influence of their decision to breast feed. 8

9 Contraindications For Breast Feeding Mothers who are HIV positive Human lymphotrophic virus Type 1 or Type 2 Active untreated tuberculosis Active herpes simplex lesions on the breast Infants with galactosemia Maternal use of drugs like antimetabolites, chemotherapeutic agents, and radioactive isotope therapies Maternal use of illicit drugs 9

10 Barriers to Breast Feeding LACK OF KNOWLEDGE Most women in the US are aware that breast feeding is the best source of nutrition for the infants, but they are not aware of the risks associated with not breast feeding Many people, including health care professionals, believe that because commercially prepared formula has been enhanced in recent years, infant formula is equivalent to breast milk in terms of its health benefits, however this belief is incorrect 10

11 Lactation Problems BREAST FEEDING AND USE Frequent problems with breastfeeding include, sore nipples, engorged breasts, mastitis, leaking milk, pain and failure to latch on by the infant Concerns about insufficient milk supply is a frequent reason for early weaning of infant Lack of understanding the normal physiology of lactation can lead to the perception of an insufficient milk supply, when in fact the quantity is enough to nurture the infant 11

12 Role of the Pediatrician BREAST FEEDING AND USE Promote breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding Become knowledgeable in the principles and management of lactation and breastfeeding Develop skills necessary for assessing the adequacy of breastfeeding Support training and education for medical students, and residents in breastfeeding and lactation Promote model hospital policies and the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Collaborate with the health care professionals to develop optimal breast feeding support programs and uniform and comprehensive breastfeeding support 12

13 SUMMARY The ability to breast feed is a great gift and is one of the most universal and natural facets of motherhood. It helps mothers and infants bond, and is vitally important for both mother s and infant s health Breast milk is uniquely suited to the infant s nutritional needs with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and infants 13

14 Surgeon General s Call to Action to Support Breast Feeding Give mothers the support they need to breastfeed their babies Develop programs to educate fathers and grandmothers about breastfeeding Strengthen programs that provide mother to mother support and peer counseling Use community based organizations to promote and support breastfeeding Create a national campaign to promote breastfeeding 14

15 Call to Action Ensure that the marketing of infant formula is conducted in a way that minimizes its negative impacts on exclusive breastfeeding Ensure that maternity care practices throughout the US are fully supportive of breastfeeding Develop systems to guarantee continuity of skilled support for lactation between hospitals and health care settings in the community Provide education and training in breastfeeding for all health care professionals who care for women and children Include basic support for breastfeeding as a standard of care for midwives, obstetricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, and pediatricians 15

16 Call to Action Ensure access to services provided by the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Identify and address obstacles to greater availability of safe, banked donor milk for fragile infants Work toward establishing paid maternity leave for all employed mothers Ensure that employers establish and maintain comprehensive, high quality lactation support programs for their employees Expand the use of programs in the workplace that allow lactating others to have direct access to their babies 16

17 Call to Action Ensure that all child care providers accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers and infants Increase funding of high quality research on breastfeeding Strengthen existing capacity and develop future capacity for conducting research on breastfeeding Develop a national monitoring system to improve the tracking of breastfeeding rates as well as the policies and environmental factors that affect breastfeeding Improve national leadership on the promotion and support of breastfeeding 17

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