Study: Breastfeeding Leads To Better Health
As Kids Age CLEVELAND – The immediate benefits of breastfeedingfor babies,
such as fewer respiratoryillnesses and better weightgain, have been well researched. Now, a recent studyshows babies who
are exclusively breast-fed actually have healthier cholesterol numbers at age seventeen. The studylooked at data on 3,261
children. Researchers compared cholesterol levels, at age 17, between children who were exclusively breastfed and children
who received formula for the first three months of life. Theyfound the children who were exclusively breast-fed had better
cholesterol numbers than the children who received formula –regardless of their current weight. Kimberly Giuliano, M.D., of
Cleveland Clinic Children’s did not take part in the study, but said it adds to previous research that has shown breastfeeding
helps children far beyond their infant years. “We see lower incidences of allergic and atopic diseases, lower incidences of
cancer, lower incidences of autoimmune disease like diabetes and celiac disease –lots of benefits to be had in the very
beginning, and then, now we know, life long,” she said. Dr. Giuliano said it’s best for babies if they are exclusively breast-fed for
the first sixmonths of life. The benefits of breastfeeding extend to mom as well, including decreased bleeding, decreased pain,
lower levels of postpartum depression, and lower risks ofsome cancers later in life. But she admits, for some moms, it can be
trickygettingstarted.For moms who are reallystruggling, Dr. Giuliano recommends reaching out to lactation consultants or
even the child’s pediatrician for help. While those first sixmonths can seem like a long, challengingtime, she reminds moms
that it’s worth it for the longterm health of the child. “It’s just reallythose first few days, and sometimes those first couple of
weeks that are the biggest challenge, but some breastfeeding advocates will sayin two weeks it may be hard; but at two
months it willget easier, and after a fewmonths you will be so happythat you did it,” said Dr. Giuliano.
Sources
As Kids Age CLEVELAND – The immediate benefits of breastfeedingfor babies,
such as fewer respiratoryillnesses and better weightgain, have been well researched. Now, a recent studyshows babies who
are exclusively breast-fed actually have healthier cholesterol numbers at age seventeen. The studylooked at data on 3,261
children. Researchers compared cholesterol levels, at age 17, between children who were exclusively breastfed and children
who received formula for the first three months of life. Theyfound the children who were exclusively breast-fed had better
cholesterol numbers than the children who received formula –regardless of their current weight. Kimberly Giuliano, M.D., of
Cleveland Clinic Children’s did not take part in the study, but said it adds to previous research that has shown breastfeeding
helps children far beyond their infant years. “We see lower incidences of allergic and atopic diseases, lower incidences of
cancer, lower incidences of autoimmune disease like diabetes and celiac disease –lots of benefits to be had in the very
beginning, and then, now we know, life long,” she said. Dr. Giuliano said it’s best for babies if they are exclusively breast-fed for
the first sixmonths of life. The benefits of breastfeeding extend to mom as well, including decreased bleeding, decreased pain,
lower levels of postpartum depression, and lower risks ofsome cancers later in life. But she admits, for some moms, it can be
trickygettingstarted.For moms who are reallystruggling, Dr. Giuliano recommends reaching out to lactation consultants or
even the child’s pediatrician for help. While those first sixmonths can seem like a long, challengingtime, she reminds moms
that it’s worth it for the longterm health of the child. “It’s just reallythose first few days, and sometimes those first couple of
weeks that are the biggest challenge, but some breastfeeding advocates will sayin two weeks it may be hard; but at two
months it willget easier, and after a fewmonths you will be so happythat you did it,” said Dr. Giuliano.
Sources
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