Breastfeeding Positions and Latch Quiz

Barriers to Breastfeeding

• Lack of knowledge about specific benefits of breastfeeding
• Perceived inconvenience of breastfeeding
• Difficulties in establishing breastfeeding
• Returning to work
• Sore nipples and engorged breasts
• Mastitis and pain
• Baby's failure to latch

Benefits of Breastfeeding

• Breastmilk enhances passive immunity and cannot be replicated in formula
• Passes antibodies from mother to infant, containing anti-infectious agents and immune cells
• Decreases risk of otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Breastmilk nourishes the probiotic flora of the gut

Breastfeeding Positions and Latch

• Average infant sucks for 10-30 minutes per session, removing 80-90% of existing milk
• Feeds 8-12 times per day, should be fed when showing signs of readiness
• Should empty one breast before offering the other
• Infant not latching properly can result in nipple discomfort, plugged ducts, mastitis, and decreased milk supply

Bovine Milk (Infant Formula) vs. Human Milk

• Whey:Casein ratio in human milk is 60:40, whereas in cow's milk formula it is 40:60
• Human milk has a higher proportion of nucleotides, better balance of essential amino acids, and decreased risk of allergenic reaction
• Lactalbumin, lactoferrin, xanthine oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and other proteins are unique to human milk
• Polyamines, nucleotides, and other compounds may play a role as growth factors in the human gut

Advantages of Human Milk vs. Bovine Milk

• IgG is closely associated with infant colic
• Non-protein nitrogen in human milk includes amino acids, peptides, N-acetyl sugars, urea, and nucleotides
• Polyamines, nucleotides, and other compounds may play a role as growth factors in the human gut

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

• Mothers who breastfeed for at least 6 months are more likely to return to their prepregnancy weight
• Chronic diseases reduced by breastfeeding include diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and hyperlipidemia
• Breastfeeding reduces the financial burden of parenting, with an estimated savings of $1,700 per year in formula costs
• Mothers who breastfeed tend to miss fewer workdays, have increased productivity, and report less infant maltreatment

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infants

• Breastfeeding reduces infant death rates and the occurrence of SIDS
• Breast milk is a readily available nutrient source at no cost
• Breastfeeding decreases the risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections in infants
• Breast milk is a complex fluid with over 200 constituents, including micelles, membrane-bound globules, live cells, protein, NPN compounds, and other nutrients

Hormone Control and Breastmilk Production

• Lactogenesis I (first few days after birth) produces yellowish fluid rich in carotenoids, prebiotics, and antioxidants
• Lactogenesis II (begins 2-5 days after birth) produces transitional milk, which changes in composition and volume over time
• Lactogenesis III (2-5 weeks after birth) produces mature milk, with production dependent on infant demand

Anti-Infectious Agents in Human Breast Milk

• Antibodies (IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgG) and B cells provide immune protection
• Bifidus factor promotes growth of lactobacilli, which dominate the lower GI tract of breast-fed infants
• Anti-staphylococcus factor, lysozymes, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidases, and other agents provide protection against pathogens
• Interferon inhibits intracellular viral replication, and B12-binding protein and neutrophils provide additional immune protection