Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding

Did you know that women who breastfeed their children for more than six months reap a variety of long-term benefits?   First of all, exclusive breastfeeding reduces the incidence of some forms of breast and ovarian cancers.  It is also known to improve bone density over time by decreasing then increasing with each successive breastfeeding cycle.  The hormones relaxin and oxytocin, known as the “mothering hormones”, are released during feedings.  These “mothering hormones” allow us an easier adaptation to the challenges of early post-partum infant care, thus reducing the chances of severe post-partum blues.  Finally, on a lighter note, the act of producing breast milk alone burns more than 500 calories per day!  You can’t beat that as a great method of losing our baby weight!

More on the Value of Skin-To-Skin

Now, more than ever, researchers are convinced that frequent and prolonged skin-to-skin contact results in better breastfeeding outcomes.  Studies are showing that skin-to-skin improves the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.  In one study, babies who spent more than one hour skin-to-skin with their mothers during the first 3 hours after birth were most likely to exclusively breastfeed during their first few days.  Furthermore, there seems to be a dose-response relationship between skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.   The longer mother and baby spend in skin-to-skin contact, the longer breastfeeding remains exclusive.  This, of course, translates to longer durations of breastfeeding (months and years), healthier outcomes, financial savings to the family, etc.  Known to be a “best practice” for both mom and baby, skin-to-skin begins at birth and can be continued for several weeks.

News Release from The United States Congress, Feb 10, 2011 It is about time!!!!

Breastfeeding Equipment to be Allowed as Medical Tax Deduction and Reimbursed by Flexible Health Spending Accounts

Washington, D.C. – In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as a health care expense.  The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.

  Merkley, Harkin, Levin, and Maloney wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman in November to call for the decision to be reversed.  Senators Merkley and Harkin were joined by 9 other Senators; 32 other House members joined Reps. Levin and Maloney.

  In response to today’s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement:

  “Today’s decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere.  Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers.  And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs.  We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response.”

Breastfeeding with Anxiety and Depression

This discussion comes up all the time.  Women who suffer with anxiety and depression often worry that pharmacological treatment for their symptoms would contraindicate breastfeeding.   NOT true!  There are many medications that have been studied in depth and believed to be safe for use during lactation.  As well, there are a number of non-pharmacological therapies that have been shown to be effective.   Depressed mothers are physically and psychologically in pain.  They may not be able to sleep.  They often feel lonely, isolated and sad for no apparent reason.   Depressed mothers may experience frequent bouts of crying and feelings of being out of control or terribly anxious.  So, please, if you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Speak to your doctor, a family member or friend.  If you’d like, there is a wonderful local resource for telephone support called the Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Support network.  They can be reached at 314-644-7001 (or toll free at 1-877-644-7001).  There is nothing to feel shy or embarrassed about.  In the long run, it will be better for both you and your baby if you are treated.  Remember, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby.   Don’t be shy.  Get help!      Additional Note: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or The Life Crisis Hotline at 314-647-4357 immediately.

In The News… Breastfeeding Can Boost Academic Test Scores…Especially in Boys!

A new study published in the January issue of Pediatrics found that, at ten years of age, children who were breastfed for at least six months achieved higher scores in math, reading and writing than those breastfed less than six months. The most interesting result was that it was especially important in boys! Here’s the link to an article in MSN Today Enjoy!

Storage and Handling of Breast Milk

One of the best things about breast milk feeding is its flexibility in handling and storage.  Breast milk can be collected, refrigerated or frozen and used later as desired!  This allows us so much freedom… to share lunch with a friend, to have a relaxing massage, to spend a few hours shopping, etc., etc.!

All mothers should have information about the storage and handling of breast milk.  This is most easily described in a table format, so here it is:

Breast Milk	Room Temperature	Refrigerator at ≤ 39 degrees	Refrigerator Freezer	Deep Freezer
Fresh	Use within 4-6 hours	Use within 3-7 days	Use within 6 months	Use within 12 months
Frozen then thawed in refrigerator	Use within 4 hours	Use within 24 hours	Do not refreeze	Do not refreeze
Frozen then thawed in a warm water bath	Use right away	Use within 4 hours	Do not refreeze	Do not refreeze

Although the immunological composition of cold-stored milk will have been altered, it is still the next best thing to fresh breast milk for your baby.  In preparing bottles for feeding, many of us assume that milk must be warmed.  However, many babies actually enjoy chilled milk straight from the fridge!  Some prefer room temperature.  Others seem to like it slightly warmed.  To warm chilled milk, place the unopened container in a warm water bath (cup or bowl) for a few minutes.  Warning:  Because babies can be badly injured, please remember never to use a microwave to heat baby’s milk.

I have discussed how to collect breast milk (by hand and by pump) in a previous blog, so please select keywords “milk expression” or “collection” for more information.  BTW, I will be chatting very soon about introducing bottles to babies.  I hope this discussion on milk storage was helpful.  Please feel free to post any questions your may have by clicking on the comment link.  Happy milk storage!

Collection of Breast Milk for Storage

This topic came up at our Moms MoBap Morning meeting the other day.  Michelle and Crystal were wondering how and when to begin this process in preparation for their return to work.  

First of all, you can start collecting anytime after breast milk production is well established.  Many mothers begin around the third week after birth depending upon when they plan to return to work.  Expression of milk for storage should be done in the morning hours when we typically have more milk.  Always feed baby first so he gets what he needs.  It is important that you choose a time when things are quiet and you can relax.

1) Always wash your hands before you begin.

2) Expression may be done manually (by hand) or with a breast pump.

   A.  If you are expressing manually, choose a clean collection container with a wide opening (like a bowl or wide mouth jar).  Place your thumb on top and index finger below your breast.  Keeping your fingers apart, move them into place over your areola (the brown area surrounding your nipple) to about ½ inch behind where the nipple and areola meet.  Step 1, keeping your fingers in place and apart, push into your breast (toward your ribs).  Step 2, gently squeeze your fingers together as you roll them toward your nipple.  Do not slide your fingers over your skin.  Step 3, release the squeeze but keep your fingers in place.  Repeat these 3 steps over and over at a comfortably rapid pace.  Practice aiming your milk as it begins to stream into the collection container (you can see why a wide opening is helpful!).

   B.  If you are using a pump, be sure to adjust the suction control to its lowest setting.  Then, as you pump, turn it up gradually to the highest level that is comfortable.  If you are using a double electric pump, wrap your hands around the flanges as you hold them to your breasts.  This will help to maintain a good seal and allow you to massage your breasts with your thumbs.  This will increase your output.  Do not be concerned if only small amounts of milk are obtained at first.  Over time, your output will increase.

   C.  Helpful Hint:  For a mother whose baby often takes only one breast per feeding, expression may be done on one breast while baby feeds on the other.  This takes advantage of the natural milk ejection reflex where milk flows freely toward the nipple and can be easily collected.

Remember that expressing your milk should never hurt!

3)  Milk may be stored in various types of containers including polypropylene BPA-free bottles, polyethylene bags or glass.  There are containers available for purchase specifically designed for breast milk storage.  Here are some guidelines for storage:

   A. Freshly expressed milk can be kept at room temperature if it will be used within 4-6 hours.

   B.  It can be stored in the refrigerator and used within 7 days.

   C.  If it will be frozen, store it in portions of 1, 2 and 3 ounces.  Until you get an idea of how much baby will take in a feeding, you won’t have to waste milk left in the bottle.

   D.  Because milk expands when frozen, leave an air space between the milk and the top of the container.  We wouldn’t want it to burst and be spoiled!

   E.  Milk should be stored in the bottom and back of the freezer, never on the door.

Michelle and Crystal, I hope this helps.  Next week I will chat about handling of stored breast milk, so keep an eye out!