Most mothers breastfeed their baby much too soon

Longer breastfeeding can lead to health benefits for mother and child
A review of the scientific evidence of the effects of length of breast-feeding has shown that many mothers breastfeed their children too short. US researchers found that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for newborn infants. But there are also some advantages for the mother.

The researchers from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found in their study that many mothers breastfeed their children too briefly. As a result, mother and child escape some important health benefits. The independent panel of experts published a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)..

Most women do not breastfeed their child long enough. As a result, both child and mother miss out on some important health benefits. (Image: stanislav_uvarov / fotolia.com)

Benefits of prolonged breastfeeding
The benefits of breastfeeding include providing optimal nutrition and improving the baby's immune system, say the authors. Prolonged lactation in the mother leads to a closer connection with the infant and an accelerated maternal weight loss after birth.

Half of all mothers breastfeed for a maximum of six months
There is convincing evidence that breastfeeding offers significant health benefits to children and moderate health benefits for women, the doctors explain in their report. While almost half of all mothers in the United States are silent initially, breastfeeding stops within the first six months.

Some women have problems with breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages women to breastfeed for at least the first year, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for two years or more. However, only about 22 percent of babies in the United States are breastfed for a six-month period. Although about 80 percent of children are breastfed early in their young lives, this usually ends too fast. It can be seen that some women have problems with continued breastfeeding, the researchers explain. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but the first steps can be quite complicated, the experts continue.

Possible reasons for too short breastfeeding
There are several reasons for stopping breastfeeding. For example, returning to work can make breastfeeding impossible. Some mothers are also physically unable to breastfeed, the scientists explain. Another reason for stopping breastfeeding could simply be the comfort of the mother. An individual consultation by trained personnel is the most effective intervention against too short a breastfeeding, the authors add.

Using a pacifier causes problems with breastfeeding?
Some of the existing guidelines could be harmful, the doctors say. For example, mothers are often advised that they should not give their children pacifiers, as the use of the pacifier may deter children from breastfeeding. However, the use of a pacifier leads to a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death, explain the experts.

Not all mothers can breastfeed their child
Another source of controversy is the advice that mothers should feed their babies exclusively with breast milk during their first days of life. Because breastfeeding can increase the risk of dehydration, explain the doctors. In addition, some mothers had no breast milk at all within the first few days. Sometimes the milk comes only after four to seven days.

Every mother needs effective tailor-made advice
The experts urge physicians to use their individual judgment to develop tailor-made approaches for all women. A single, unified approach is ineffective in improving the population's lactation, the experts explain. (As)