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The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least
the baby’s first year. Breastfed infants have fewer ear infections, lower
respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, incidences of diarrhea,
and fewer hospital admissions than formula-fed infants. Human milk meets
nutritional needs for growth and development and helps protect the infant
from illness. Although infant formula is an adequate nutritional replacement
for human milk, it does not provide disease protection. Human milk contains antibodies
and immune cells that provide protection from infectious diseases. Breastfeeding
is recommended over feeding infant formula by a number of professional organizations
including the American
Academy of Pediatrics, March
of Dimes,
American Academy of
Family Physicians .
Although there are many benefits to breastfeeding, there are
some cases where breastfeeding is not recommended. For example, breastfeeding
is not recommended if the mother has HIV, active tuberculosis, or uses illegal
drugs. Although most prescribed and over-the-counter medications taken by
the mother are safe for the breastfed infant, some drugs taken by the mother
may not be safe. Therefore, mothers should consult with their health care
providers concerning taking medications while breastfeeding. The National
Library of Medicine through Toxline provides a referenced, peer-reviewed database
of drugs to which nursing mothers may be exposed. This LacMed
Database features possible effects of
the drug on the infant and alternative choices of medication. The US
Food and Drug Administration also has information
on medications and breastfeeding. Information on breastfeeding and alcohol, aspirin,
caffeine and smoking can be found in the Common
Concerns section of the CERHR website.
More information on breastfeeding can be found at:
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