Hughes 1

Abby Hughes

Ms. Sobocinski

English Composition II

27 April 2020

What are the overall benefits of breastfeeding for a child and a mother?

As with most things in life, people have a choice. People can choose between what car

interests them, how many dogs they want to have, or whether or not to eat meat. These decisions

can be challenging to make, but the choice to breastfeed a child can be easily made after

knowing the benefits it brings to both the infant and the mother. Twenty-three years ago, my

mother had to make this decision for my oldest brother who was born nine weeks early. Since

my brother, Ben, was so premature, he was very high risk to illness and disease. After doing the

research, my mom knew breastfeeding was the right choice to help protect her five-pound baby

boy. In addition, just a few short weeks ago, one of my cousins gave birth to a baby who later

was at risk for having cancer. For my cousin, breastfeeding was the answer to help stop the

spread of this deadly disease. Based on extensive research, this method of feeding a newborn is

the healthiest and most effective way to nourish a baby because it provides nutrients and disease-

fighting agents to help prevent against future illness for healthy babies, premature babies, sick

babies, and even mothers.

Breast milk has always been a source of nutrition for babies. Since 2000 BC, before the

mother directly fed her child, the use of “wet nurses” was common. This tradition is when a

woman is chosen to breastfeed another woman’s baby. This practice lasted until bottle feeding
 Hughes 2

was introduced in the 19th century. Wet nurses were later only available to abandoned babies,

mothers of higher societal ranking, and mothers unable to breastfeed (Stevens 1). In ancient

Greece, it was believed that milk from a Greek goddess created immortality to those who drank

it. Hercules was thought invisible by drinking Hera’s milk. Not only did Hercules drink breast

milk, but it was even said that baby Jesus was breastfed by the Virgin Mary (Health Foundations

Birth Center 1). This act of nourishing a child with the use of breast milk whether it was directly

from the mother or produced by another individual has been around for decades, but many

people are not educated on the true benefits breastfeeding provides for a young child.

Breastfeeding is proven to have many short-term benefits for a healthy born baby.

Immediately following birth, breastfeeding encourages direct skin contact which helps to settle

and relieve stress of a newborn infant (Church 2). This act of direct contact ensures the baby

feels “safe” after entering the world. Following birth, it is very important to begin protecting an

infant from outside exposure to germs. As the “Benefits of Breastfeeding” states, “Specifically,

human milk contains immunologic agents and other compounds, such as secretory antibodies,

leukocytes, and carbohydrates that act against viruses, bacteria, and parasites” (125). The

nutrients from breast milk also helps to build up a baby’s gut health. Nutrients within breast

milk, like prebiotics, helps to form gut microflora (Hale 369). This is very important in assisting

an infant’s digestive development. This immediate flush of breast milk through a newborn’s

body can ultimately protect the infant from deadly exposure of germs and bacteria that adults are

immune to today. After continued use of breast milk, research has shown benefits on the baby’s

brain. Breast milk contains lactose and essential fatty acids which assist in fast tracking the

development of a baby’s brain (Church 2). The rapid health benefits of breastfeeding are

apparent in helping a baby flourish in the world.

 Hughes 3

Breastfeeding is also proven to have long-term benefits for a healthy newborn baby. As

“Benefits of Breastfeeding” says, “Breastfed infants experience fewer cases of infectious and

noninfectious diseases as well as less severe cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections, and ear

infections” (125). Breastfed children are also at a reduced risk of having asthma and diabetes

(Church 2). Not only that, but studies have suggested the breast-fed babies have a lower

probability to childhood cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (“Benefits of Breast Feeding”

126). The early development of the brain caused by breast milk has led to children having higher

IQs. Later in life, it is also proven that the risk of obesity is lowered for babies that are breastfed

(Church 2). With these facts and statistics, it is clear the positive long-term impact breast milk

has on a child.

Breast milk is also proven to help babies born with illnesses or diseases. Deaths apparent

in young children are significantly decreased due to breastfeeding, as well as assisting to combat

against illnesses (Church). Preterm babies are able to withstand late-onset sepsis if breastfed

(Church 2). Late-onset sepsis, a blood infection, takes place in the early months after birth. In the

case of my mother, breast milk was the perfect solution of nutrition for my brother. Although my

brother was not yet fully developed, breast milk is easy to digest in an immature infant’s kidney

(“Benefits of Breastfeeding” 126). In the instance of preterm and babies born with illnesses, it is

important in regards to the protective agents like cytokines which assist in protecting against

illnesses and helps improve the infant’s immune system (Hale 369). For a child already

vulnerable to complete mental and physical development, breast milk can help fast-track

development and fight against illnesses. For children who are born weeks early or born with an

illness like cancer, breast milk is a crucial nutritional component in protecting the child for the

future.
 Hughes 4

For some families, twins are present. Breastfeeding not only positively supports one

single baby, but it also provides benefits for multiple babies. For mothers giving birth to

multiples, it is very important to breastfeed. Many children who are born as twins, triplets, or

more are more likely to be born with low birth weights and are born earlier than one baby. Breast

milk can give these babies a boost towards a normal birth weight and to regain their strength

from prematurity (“Breastfeeding Multiple Babies” 1).

Fig. 1. This chart shows the many different benefits breastfeeding has for a child and pinpoints

the location on a baby (“The Breastfed Baby”).

So, what is in it for the mother? Breast feeding has an abundance of contributions for the

mother. Oxytocin, a hormone increased while breastfeeding, helps to start uterine contractions

which ultimately lessens postpartum bleeding (“Benefits of Breastfeeding” 126). In other words,
 Hughes 5

right from the start, breastfeeding helps to slow down postpartum bleeding and release the

placenta which was the source of nutrients for the baby while in the womb. Not only that, but the

act of breastfeeding also helps to delay the start of a woman’s period and ability to have children

again in the first six months (“Benefits of Breast feeding” 126). The act of fertility regulation

helps families to plan for children later which ultimately helps in lactation of the mother.

Breastfeeding also helps women fight against breast cancer. In the United States, a study was

conducted with 14,000 women undergoing menopause. The results concluded cancer was 22%

less apparent in women who have previously breastfed (Hale 370). Not only that, but

breastfeeding also helps women fight against stubborn weight loss. During breastfeeding, a

hormone called oxytocin is released which aids in the reduction of size of the mother’s uterus to

pre-pregnancy size (Church 2). In other words, breastfeeding helps women to regain pre-

pregnancy size and weight. Apart from weight loss, women who breastfeed also have lower

stress due to the hormone, prolactin which decreased the body’s ability to react to adrenaline

(Hale 370). Just like for the baby, the mother’s connection is strong if breastfeeding due to the

hormone oxytocin, or better known as the “love” hormone (Church 2). Later in life, women have

a lower risk to have osteoporosis and ultimately have a high bone density due to breastfeeding

(Church 3). Overall, it is clear that breastfeeding does not just benefit a child, the mother is

greatly affected in a positive way, too.

The act of breastfeeding has shown many benefits, but how does formula compare? For

many families, formula is the route they choose to take. But unlike formula, breastfeeding is

natural, as well as more beneficial. Colostrum, a substance formulated directly after birth,

contains nutrients that has yet to be replicated in formula (Church 2). As “Benefits of

Breastfeeding” explains, “Observations in some studies on neurological and cognitive outcomes

 Hughes 6

in breastfed children have led to a hypothesis that the early visual acuity and cognitive function

of these children is greater than in non-breastfed children” (126). In other words, breastfed

children have seemed to have higher brain function than children who are formula fed. Not only

does formula not provide a child’s brain proper nutrition, it also is harmful against the

environment. The development of formula leaves a toll on our environment. Breastfeeding,

however, leaves no mark on our energy sources and our environment (Patel 1). Breastfeeding

ultimately does not create waste or air pollution. Formula is also very expensive for families.

Even with the expenses associated with breastfeeding, like purchasing a breast pump, a mother

can still save hundreds of dollars versus spending money on formula (“Benefits of Breastfeeding

126). This shows that breastfeeding is less expensive for families even with the cost of additional

supplies. As Hale explains, “It provides free nourishment that is perfectly balanced; temperature-

controlled and adapts to meet the nutritional and energy requirements of the growing child”

(369). Unlike formula, the milk produced by a mother adjusts based on a child’s health

conditions. Not only that, but breastfed babies are not as prone to illnesses (“Benefits of

Breastfeeding” 126). Medical expenses were approximately 20% lower for breastfed babies

(“Benefits of Breastfeeding” 126). In society, due to the high levels of poverty in some areas,

these families relay heavily on breastfeeding and they benefit from breastfeeding their infants.

Some people have also contributed breastfeeding to missing less work-related activities due to

the insignificant amounts of having to care for a sick child resulting in employee productivity to

be higher. Additionally, along with the fact that breastfeeding reduces the chances of obesity in

children later in life. Research has shown that breastfed newborns are able to sustain a healthier

weight while also keeping proper levels of activity and growth progress (“Benefits of
 Hughes 7

Breastfeeding” 126). Breastfeeding and formula cannot be compared when it comes to overall

health benefits for a child and the cost effectiveness. Breastfeeding is the clear solution.

Fig. 2. Above is a display of the varying nutritional values of breastfeeding (in the blue) vs the

nutritional values of formula feeding (in the green). This graph makes it clear that breastfeeding

ultimately provides better nutrition (“Breastfeeding: Ensuring Early Nourishment”).

As with many things, there are certain cases in which breastfeeding is not the right choice

due to different physical conditions. To begin, women that have been affect by HIV should avoid

directly feeding their child because of chance of giving the infection to their child. However, in

underdeveloped countries that are prone to infant deaths, the risk of transmitting the HIV

infection through breastfeeding outweighs the result of a child dying due to other diseases (126).

In other words, many people believe that it is more important to keep a child living rather than

worry about whether or not they will have HIV infection of not. Another case is when women

have T-cell leukemia. As with HIV, breastfeeding with leukemia poses a risk for transmission of

the disease to the child. Along with these conditions, there are also cases that must be assessed if

the mother chooses to breastfeed. For example, environmental exposures can cause a problem

during breastfeeding. Chemicals like PCBs, DDT, dioxin, lead, and more can appear in the

women’s breast milk. These substances can be very harmful and eventually poison a child.

Along with that, women who have done illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana can have

major complications in not only the baby, but also the mother. Lastly, the most common risk to

children who are breastfed from mothers are women who consume tobacco and alcohol. The use

of these substances can affect the volume of the milk. In addition, nicotine from the tobacco may

also be present in the milk and alcohol can inhibit the development of a child (“Benefits of
 Hughes 8

Breastfeeding” 127). If the mother has an addiction to substances that can hurt the child, she

should choose formula to feed her newborn. While breastfeeding, it is very important for women

to watch what they consume and how their actions can affect the child.

For many women, breastfeeding comes with common misconceptions. To start, women

believe that breastfeeding is painful and uncomfortable. Breastfeeding will be uncomfortable for

the first few days for women who have yet to experience this, as expected with most things.

However, breastfeeding is designed to “feel good” because it releases hormones that contribute

to relaxation. Many women get frustrated and discouraged while breastfeeding because they

believe it should come naturally. But like with most things, breastfeeding takes time and patience

to adjust. If needed, there are also professionals that can assist if needed. For example, there are

lactation specialists who teach mothers how to feed their baby including latching techniques and

solutions for low milk production. Another misconception is that small breasts will not provide

enough food for a baby. However, breast size is based on fat which has zero correlation to the

amount of milk able produced. A few women are afraid of not being able to keep up with their

newborn’s schedule of feeding every 2-3 hours. However, according to American Academy of

Pediatrics, after a baby has reached its appropriate post-birth weight, a mother can feed their

child based on the baby’s cues (Kaznelson 1). Additionally, some women feel uncomfortable

with breastfeeding because of the fear of being “immodest” in public. The solution to this

problem is pumping prior to being in public or having a breastfeeding cover-up to prevent others

from seeing the women’s breasts. When discussing breast pumps, one of the best is Medela.

These pumps make it possible for the mother to pump at high speeds and with efficiency to

produce amble amounts of breast milk. Pumping breast milk efficiently is a great option since

breast milk can be frozen and thawed up to six months. Another misconception is the father’s
 Hughes 9

absence in feeding and ultimately there is only a bond between a mother and baby. To help with

this, many mothers pump and let the father feed the baby from the bottle so he can be involved.

This also allows the mother to take a break and obtain more uninterrupted sleep throughout the

night. These misconceptions can ultimately stop women from feeding their baby with the best

nutrients. By debunking these common misconceptions, a mother’s baby is more likely to live a

healthier life with a better immune system and ultimately have a healthier future.

Choosing a car, choosing how many dogs to have, or choosing whether or not to eat meat

are decisions that may or may not impact the rest of a person’s life. The choice of whether or not

to breastfeed is much more detrimental. After researching, it is clear that breastfeeding a child

can help the child fight against infection, protect themselves against future illnesses, and even

benefit the mother. Breastfeeding is the most effective and beneficial source of nutrition for

children versus the alternatives like formula. As Church explains, “The mother benefits. The

child benefits. Entire countries benefit when their children are healthy and strong. When

breastfeeding is encouraged and supported, we all win” (3).

Works Cited
 Hughes 10

“Breastfeeding Multiple Babies.” FamilyEducation, 13 Mar. 2008,

www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/expecting-multiples/breastfeeding-multiples.

Hale, Rachel. “Infant Nutrition and the Benefits of Breastfeeding.” British Journal of

Midwifery, vol. 15, no. 6, June 2007, pp. 368–371. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.12968/bjom.2007.15.6.23684.

Healthfoundationsbirthcenter. “A Brief (and Fascinating) History of Breastfeeding and Its

Alternatives.” St. Paul Birth Center | Birth Center Minneapolis St. Paul MN, St. Paul

Birth Center | Birth Center Minneapolis St. Paul MN, 5 Jan. 2015, www.health-

foundations.com/blog/2015/01/05/a-brief-and-fascinating-history-of-breastfeeding-and-

its-alternatives.

Kaznelson, Ayelet, and Clc. “Ten Myths About Breastfeeding.” Seleni Institute, Seleni Institute,

14 Mar. 2018, www.seleni.org/advice-support/2018/3/14/ten-myths-about-breastfeeding.

Patel, Dr. Tulsie N. “ABC News VIDEO LIVE SHOWS 2020 ELECTIONS Search

Headlines, News and Video... LOG IN Breastfeeding Benefits Mom, Baby and the

Environment: Formula's Environmental Impact.” ABC News, ABC News Network, 14

Oct. 2019, abcnews.go.com/US/breastfeeding-benefits-mom-baby-environment-

formulas-environmental-impact/story?id=66192843.

Stevens, Emily E, et al. “A History of Infant Feeding.” The Journal of Perinatal Education,

Lamaze International Inc., 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684040/.

tc120. “Breastfeeding: Ensuring Early Nourishment.” TC120, 20 Sept. 2014,

tc120.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/breastfeeding-ensuring-early-nourishment/.
 Hughes 11

“The Breastfed Baby.” The Lactation Learning Station, 2 Aug. 2012,

thelactationlearningstation.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/the-breastfed-baby/.

“The Short- and Long-Term Benefits of Breastfeeding.” CWS, cwsglobal.org/the-short-

and-long-term-benefits-of-breastfeeding/.