Benefits of Breastfeeding in Minorities

Roni Withers

Advisor: Dr. Miller

Benefits of Breastfeeding• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

If 90% of mothers breastfeed in the U.S., 900 infants lives a year can be prevented if mothers breastfeed for at least 6 months.(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012)

Mothers that did not breastfeed, resulted in 21% Infant mortality in U.S (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012)

• Obesity Lack of breastfeeding increases the risk of obesity throughout lifespan (Dietz WH,

2001)• Reduce risk of developing chronic conditions (WIC, 2012)

Type II diabetes Celiac disease Crohns disease

• Less risk of Cancer (WIC, 2012)• For mothers, not breastfeeding may lead premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, retained

gestational weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. (Stuebe, 2009)• Prevents Asthma (AAP. 2012)

Minority StatisticsBreastfeeding and supplementation rates by ethnicity/race: National Immunization Survey data

(2,4).

Donna J. Chapman, and Rafael Pérez-Escamilla Adv Nutr 2012;3:95-104

©2012 by American Society for Nutrition

Minority Statistics

Why Don’t Minorities Breastfeed? Inconveniency/Income

– https://youtu.be/DicdNNPFWVo?t=6m21s

Possibility of Body exposure in Public Spouse Opinion Lack of education on Breastfeeding

• proper techniques • expectations of the breastfeeding experience

– https://youtu.be/DicdNNPFWVo?t=12m

Lack of Role models with Experience The discomfort of breastfeeding Conveniency of Formula

– https://youtu.be/CPiMn0LJr0Y?t=10m38s

Having to rely on childcare

More Women Are Breastfeeding and for Longer Periods

From 2000–2008, the percentage of women who initiated breastfeeding went up from 47.4% to 58.9% for blacks, and 71.8% to 75.2% for whites. Initiation rates for Hispanics went from 77.6% to 80.0%, although this was not a significant increase.

Infants that were breastfed at 6 and 12 months increased greatly among all three racial/ethnic groups.

While 74.6% of infants born in 2008 began breastfeeding, only 23.4% met the recommended breastfeeding duration of 12 months. This indicates women may need more support to continue breastfeeding.

• It's Only Natural helps African-American women and their families understand the health benefits of breastfeeding—not just for babies, but for moms too. Here, you’ll find facts about breastfeeding and get practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you while getting the support you need.

• Are you worried that you won't be able to breastfeed? Some moms can't breastfeed, but most can. You may also have lots of other concerns about this new experience. Explore our articles and watch videos featuring expert advice and personal stories from moms just like you.

• Planning ahead

• Pregnancy is the best time to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding so you can plan to give your baby a healthy start in life.• Addressing breastfeeding myths

• Have you been hearing conflicting stories and opinions about breastfeeding from family and friends? Get the real facts and helpful advice here.• Overcoming challenges

• Breastfeeding can become one of the simplest things you'll do as a new mom. Find out how to approach common hurdles at the beginning and find your groove.

• Finding support

• From your baby’s dad to lactation consultants, learn how and where to get the support you need for a positive breastfeeding experience.• Fitting breastfeeding into your life

• Whether you're heading back to work or feeding your baby on the go, these tips will help you fit breastfeeding into your everyday life.• My breastfeeding story

References• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2012, February 27). Breastfeeding and the use

of human milk.Pediatrics, 129, e827–e841. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full.pdf+html [top]

• AAP. (2012, February 27). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 129, e827–e841. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full.pdf+html

• Dietz WH. Breastfeeding may help prevent childhood overweight. JAMA 2001; 285: 2506–07.

• Donna J. Chapman, and Rafael Perez-Escamilla. American society for Nutrition: Advances in Nutrition. 2012; 3:95-104

• Ma, P., Brewer-Asling, M., & Magnus, J. H. (2013). A case study on the economic impact of optimal breastfeeding. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 17(1), 9–13. PMID: 22278355 [top]

• McDowell MA, Wang C-Y, Kennedy-Stephenson J. Breastfeeding in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999-2006. NCHS data briefs, no. 5, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2008.