Is breastfeeding best?

Question

i know they say breatfeedin is best for the baby...is this still true if the mother herself isnt getting the proper nutrition?

Answer 1

The mother should also take a prenatal vitamin to ensure that she is getting enough of all the vitamins she needs. But yes, breast is best even when the mother isn't getting proper nutrition. In fact, mom's milk is only compromised in severe cases of malnourishment. If you aren't getting enough of what you need in your diet, your body will find what it needs from elsewhere. For instance, if you are not getting enough calcium in your diet, it will take calcium directly from your bones and teeth. Don't worry, you've got plenty to spare, which is why it isn't an issue except in severe cases of malnourishment.

Here is an excerpt from a LLL website:
"In recent years, research has confirmed that even if some nutrients are missing in a woman’s daily diet, she will still produce milk that will help her child grow. There is very little difference in the milk of healthy mothers and mothers who are severely malnourished. For example, if a mother’s diet is lacking in calories, her body makes up the deficit, drawing on the reserves laid down during pregnancy or before. Unless there is a physical reason for low milk production, a woman who breastfeeds on cue will be able to produce enough milk for her baby, regardless of what she eats."

...and one from Kellymom (an excellent resource for breastfeeding moms!):
"Do I need to maintain a perfect diet while breastfeeding?

The short answer to this question is NO – you do not need to maintain a perfect diet in order to provide quality milk for your baby. In fact, research tells us that the quality of a mother’s diet has little influence on her milk. Nature is very forgiving – mother’s milk is designed to provide for and protect baby even in times of hardship and famine. A poor diet is more likely to affect the mother than her breastfed baby.

It's common to hear women say that they want to wean (or not breastfeed at all) because they miss drinking coffee, or want to have an occasional glass of wine, or don't like worrying constantly about everything they eat. Guess what? You can drink caffeinated beverages (in moderation), have an occasional drink, eat what you want and still provide your baby with the absolute best nutrition and immunological protection - mother's own milk.

According to Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D., breastfeeding researcher and anthropologist, women throughout the world make ample amounts of quality milk while eating diets composed almost entirely of rice (or millet or sorghum) with a tiny amount of vegetables and occasional meat.

Are healthy eating habits recommended for mom? Absolutely! You will be healthier and feel better if you eat well. It is best for anyone to eat a variety of foods, in close to their naturally-occurring state, but this is not necessary for providing quality milk or for maintaining milk supply. Although it is certainly not recommended, a breastfeeding mother could live on a diet of junk food – mom would not thrive on that diet, but her milk would still meet her baby's needs."

There are very few cases when breast is NOT best.
(taken from CDC website listed below)
"Breastfeeding is NOT advisable if one or more of the following conditions is true:

An infant diagnosed with galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder

The infant whose mother:
-Has been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
-Is taking antiretroviral medications
-Has untreated, active tuberculosis
-Is infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
-Is using or is dependent upon an illicit drug
-Is taking prescribed cancer chemotherapy agents, such as antimetabolites that interfere with DNA replication and cell division
-Is undergoing radiation therapies; however, such nuclear medicine therapies require only a temporary interruption in breastfeeding."

I hope that helps...!

Answer 2

Breast milk is better for the baby and even undernourished women can produce enough breast milk to feed their babies. However, the mother's health is important too and should be taken into consideration when choosing to breastfeed. Breastfeeding requires a lot of calories and while the baby may be getting sufficient milk, it may may be bad for the mother if she's not eating the right foods or getting enough calories. It doesn't make you a better mom to sacrifice your health so your child can breastfeed. It's in both of your best interests to be healthy. I think you should contact a doctor and ask what they think.

I breastfed three children and think breast milk is best for building a babies immune system. However, I know several babies that were bottle fed and are healthy and smart. I think the choice to breastfeed is very personal and each women needs to do what she feels is best in her situation and respect the decisions other mothers make for their children. Don't let pro breastfeeding women tell you you are a bad mother and are not thinking of your child if you don't breastfeed. They only see their view and will leave negatives for anyone suggesting otherwise. Do what' s best for you and your family and make peace with your decision.

Answer 3

Even if the mother isn't getting proper nutrition breastfeeding is the best. Mother's milk contains proper nutrients for the baby's growth and development. It also contains antibodies to protect the infant from bacteria and viruses. And mother's milk is sterile and pure.

Answer 4

According to my pediatrician the formula is so well made these days its pretty much the same. Breastfeeding is probably still better because of the bonding. I couldn't breastfeed due to an infection I had at the time of delivery. Due to this I was put on lots of antibiotics so no way I could. My daughter is now 6mo still formula fed and perfectly healthy. Never had any illness but the common cold. Developmentally she is above what most 6mo olds are. So I guess I'd say its a really personal decision whatever is best for you is what you should do.

Answer 5

Unless you are malnourished yourself, your milk will be plenty nutritious. The standard american diet, while very poor, is substantial enough to produce good milk. Your body feeds the baby first, so the quality of your milk won't be hurt by a poor diet.

However, the better your diet, the better your milk.

Think like: formula is the worst option, milk from a woman on the standard america diet is 2nd best and milk from a woman on a healthy whole-foods diet is the best.

One thing to remember though, is that the flavor of foods gets passed through breastmilk and its good to acclimate the child to different tastes... also when the child starts eaing solids, theyre going to want to eat what mom is eating, so its best to set a good example early.

Answer 6

Nothing and nothing at All can replace breast feeding; its the best thing you can give your baby, that is unless you are HIV positive, in which case it is not good because you are bound to transmit the virus to your baby through the milk.
But if you are not, i would advise you to do it, even if you are not really healthy. breastmilk not only contain the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development of the baby but it also contain antibodies, something that formula milk will never in a hundred years provide!

Answer 7

Yes. The baby takes what it needs even if the mother doesn't have enough. Manufacturers of formula spend a ton of money trying to imitate breast milk and promoting their research to come as close to breast milk as possible because even though know that it's best.

Answer 8

No..it would not be true if the mother does not get proper nutrition. Breastfeeding is a personal choice. Formula provides all the proper nutrients a baby needs so it's all up to you.

Answer 9

I think health-wise there are many benefits to nursing a child, even if the mother isn't eating the best. At least, the health news articles seem to support this.

Answer 10

Well, I have to say that they may say it's best to breastfeed but both my little girls were bottle fed and they are healthy. My yongest is 4 months old and she weighted 14lbs when I took her to the doctor at 2 1/2 months. She only weighted 7lbs when she was born!! My sister in law breastfed and her little girl is 6 and the other is 4... The 4 year old is slower and can only say a few words and my 3 year old was bottle fed and she can count, say most of her abc's and wont shut up!! LOL.. They say that breast milk is suppose to make a child smarter also I do not believe that.. It's all on personal choice and what you want to do.