Chapter 4: Problem 8

Summarize the benefits of breastfeeding in infancy.

Short Answer

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Breastfeeding in infancy is beneficial to the infant, mother, and society. Benefits include ideal nutrition and enriched immunity for the infant, faster post-pregnancy weight loss and reduced risk of certain cancers for the mother, and significant cost savings for families and the healthcare system.

Step by step solution

Benefits to the Infant

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything your baby needs to grow. It is easily digestible and research suggests that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop problems with obesity and diabetes. Breast milk also contains antibodies that can protect infants from certain illnesses.

Benefits to the Mother

Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help mothers lose pregnancy weight faster. It can also help the mother's uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and can reduce post-delivery bleeding. Mothers who breastfeed also have lower risks for breast and ovarian cancers.

Benefits to Society

Breastfeeding saves a family approximately $2 to $4 per day in formula and feeding supplies, leading to savings of around $1,200 to $1,500 in the first year alone. Studies have shown that for every 1,000 babies who are breastfed, there are fewer healthcare visits, admissions, and prescriptions, resulting in a healthcare savings of about \$3 million.

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Summarize the benefits of breastfeeding in infancy.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Benefits to the Infant

Benefits to the Mother

Benefits to Society

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