Many women make the decision not to breastfeed without knowing the real cost of baby formula. They may add up the price of baby formula, feeding bottles, and artificial nipples. They might even remember to factor in the cost of sterilizing bottles and nipples. But few women who decide not to breastfeed consider the cost of baby formula on their baby's health and their own health.
Women who use baby formula breastfeed very little or not at all. The lack of breastfeeding, which is a natural physiological part of the pregnancy and childbirth process, results in increased health risks for women. Women who do not breastfeed, or breastfeed for shorter duration, have:
Increased Risk for Breast Cancer
Women who do not breastfeed have increased risk for developing breast cancer. Those who breastfeed longer have greater protection. The association between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk reduction is so strong that the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research listed breastfeeding and being breastfed as one of 10 recommendations to prevent cancer.
Increased Risk of Being Overweight
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, every month of breastfeeding brought a reduction of 0.44 kg among postpartum women. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for various diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Therefore, by helping to control weight, breastfeeding helps protect women from diseases linked with weight gain.
Increased Risk of Developing Diabetes
According to a study published by the American Medical Association, each year of breastfeeding reduced mothers' risk of developing diabetes by 15%. Therefore, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the higher her protection against diabetes.
Increased Risk of Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers
Women who have never breastfed have higher incidence of endometrial cancer than women who breastfed. Women who have breastfed longer and more children have lower risks of developing ovarian cancer.
Increased Risk of Osteoporosis
Women who have more children and longer periods of breastfeeding tend to have higher bone density and lower risk of bone fractures than women who have never had children or never breastfed.
Increased Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism found that breastfeeding for at least 12 months reduced women's risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
Formula-feeding mothers reported fewer positive moods and positive events and more stress than breastfeeding mothers, a study in Biological Research for Nursing found. Those using baby formula also experienced more depression and anger than breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding floods the mother's brain with oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for creating positive emotions and increased trust. It is also known as the "feel good" or "love" hormone.
Reduced Natural Child Spacing
Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months after birth reduces a woman's fertility, enabling her to avoid pregnancy. In a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, none of the breastfeeding mothers got pregnant six months postpartum. Formula feeding mothers do not receive this natural contraceptive benefit.
The health impact of baby formula listed above brings about additional costs to women and their families in the form of medical expenses, lost productivity and even loss of life. To fully understand the cost of baby formula, one must consider the health risks to women who do not breastfeed and to their children who do not receive breastmilk. Parents should be aware of the real cost of baby formula in order to make an informed decision about how to feed and nurture their babies.
Alexis Rodrigo is a work at home Mom to 3 kids, certified childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. Get more breastfeeding tips. Sign up for the FREE Natural Parenting Newsletter to receive natural parenting info in your Email. Go to http://www.naturalmomsblog.com
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