Feeding for baby
Human milk microbiome and infant health
May 2021
Breastfeeding is the most natural way of feeding a human baby - giving infants the types of nutrition and immunity that sets them up for their lives ahead. In fact, the many benefits of breastfeeding go beyond the personal. Research has revealed the larger picture of how breast milk contributes to society and the economy. It's not unusual for women's contributions to society to be ignored or taken for granted- including housekeeping, child rearing and taking care of elderly parents. When looking at breastfeeding - versus using formula (or "not breastfeeding", as classified in the review, The high cost of half-hearted breastfeeding promotion in Germany) - it becomes clear that more attention needs to be paid to encouraging and supporting women to breastfeed in accordance with WHO guidelines.
In studies of "not breastfeeding" in countries such as the USA, Australia and the UK, it was found that following the WHO guidelines of exclusive breastfeeding during a child's first 6 months would add up to an overall savings of billions of dollars to society. All because of the well-documented immunity and other protective benefits breastmilk provides infants, including preventing acute and chronic diseases. The review, The high cost of half-hearted breastfeeding promotion in Germany, by Rouw, Hormann and Scherbaum, collects eye-opening data about the economic value of breastfeeding. When the cost of "not breastfeeding" was calculated for hospitalization in the USA for a variety of childhood diseases (such as sudden infant death syndrome, childhood asthma, type 1 diabetes mellitus), the conclusion was that "if, with a one year birth cohort, 90% of US mothers could comply with the medical recommendations for 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, the country would save $13 billion and prevent an excess 911 deaths for this cohort." Similar research in Australia showed a savings of over 17 million pounds annually, with "75% exclusive breastfeeding from discharge from the neonatal unit, and 45% breastfeeding at 4 months." These savings could even be considered quite conservative, as they do not include the intellectual, social and emotional benefits of breastfeeding.
In Germany, the value of breastfeeding is well appreciated, but under-supported. Breastfeeding support is offered in hospitals, by midwives and with maternity leave programs, among other types of support. Baby-Friendly hospitals also help to boost breastfeeding. Unfortunately, many doctors have no training in supporting mothers, and Germany lacks an extensive network of community support. And when mothers experience issues with breastfeeding, they often need to pay for help on their own - or make choices that are detrimental to their careers and earnings. Take, for example, German laws to promote breastfeeding. Working mothers often cut short their maternity leave, to avoid risking demotion or a loss of pension. And while breastfeeding (or pumping) times at the workplace are regulated, the facilities needed - such as private rooms and refrigeration - are not guaranteed.
It's no wonder that many mothers start out with good intentions, with some 90% of German women breastfeeding in the first months. This quickly drops in just a few days. After 3 months the amount has dropped to 79% - and by 12 months, only 19% of mothers are still breastfeeding. The level to which society benefits when a mother chooses (or is able to) breastfeed for a longer period is not reflected in the amount of support given to women and their babies. In the future, support in Germany can be improved in many ways, including more education for midwives, greater use of Baby-Friendly hospitals, and expanded support of women who work. These types investments by the German government will certainly pay for themselves - and more - in the long run.
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2Statista-Umfrage, Umfrage in Deutschland zur Stilldauer von Babys 2017, statista-research.com
1Rouw et al. International Breastfeeding Journal (2014) 9:22