An effective preventative health measure
Breastfeeding €is one of the most effective preventive health measures for children and mothers regardless of where they live,€ says the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative.8 A recent Lancet meta-analysis found breastfeeding was associated with the following benefits for infants:9
- Protection against child infections and malocclusion (teeth being misaligned)
- Increases in intelligence
- Probable reductions in overweight and diabetes.
For breastfeeding mothers, associated benefits include:
- Protection against breast cancer
- Improved birth spacing
- Possible protection against ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
However, the study found no associations in infants with allergic disorders, such as asthma, or with blood pressure or cholesterol. The researchers also €noted an increase in tooth decay with longer periods of breastfeeding.€
The Baby Friendly Initiative says: €Prevalence of breastfeeding at six to eight weeks is a key indicator of child health and wellbeing ... evidence-based reports demonstrate the importance of early care, which breastfeeding can facilitate, on brain development and emotional attachment. A baby's earliest relationships lay the foundation for later developmental outcomes, from academic performance to mental health and interpersonal skills.€10
In addition, breastfeeding may contribute to longer-term NHS savings. In its advice on commissioning infant feeding services, Public Health England flags up the £48m annual cost to the NHS of treating five illnesses linked to babies not being breastfed €“ ear infection, chest infection, gut infection, necrotising enterocolitis (gut infection in premature babies), and breast cancer.3