American women who have the ability to breastfeed their baby typically stop the process sooner than 12 months after birth, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At three months, only 30 percent of American women are feeding breast milk exclusively; at six months, the number drops to only 11 percent, according to the CDC.

The study also cites several reasons why women stop feeding their child mother’s milk, including social stigmas, a lack of privacy, the time involved and the fact that most babies begin eating solid foods at 6 months old.

Formula feeding, either by choice or necessity, always is an option. However, for many women, breastfeeding is the best way to meet their child’s basic nutritional needs. And, pediatric health experts say that women who are able to breastfeed can reap a number of benefits for both themselves and their babies.

For baby, the American Academy of Pediatrics says breast milk:

• Provides protection against a host of infectious diseases
• Improves developmental outcomes
• Lessens childhood obesity
• Lowers the incidence of eczema
• Significantly reduces infant mortality

For mom, the AAP says the benefits of breastfeeding include:

• Less postpartum bleeding
• Decreased menstrual bleeding
• Increased time between children
• Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight
• Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• Possibly a decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis post menopause

Cost savings
“Additionally, breastfeeding for up to a year could save families as much as $1,800 that otherwise would have been spent on baby formula,” said Angela Lemond, a clinical dietitian at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Many employers, such as Children’s, offer education and private lactation rooms for employees to make continued breastfeeding easier and more convenient. In addition, Children’s provides special consideration and education to mothers whose babies are hospitalized so that breastfeeding can continue even while a child is being treated for an illness or injury.

Talk to your pediatrician about the benefits of breastfeeding and formula feeding and to determine what form of feeding is best for you and your baby.

Resources
See the Health Library on this Web site for an array of information on breastfeeding, from getting started to how to store breast milk to using a breast pump.

Request a free copy of the "Breastfeeding Your Baby" booklet provided by Children's Medical Center. The informative publication offers advice on how to breastfeed as well as other helpful resources for new mothers.