Breastfeeding by the Numbers: Why It Matters
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is a time to celebrate the incredible benefits of breastfeeding and to advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers. But sometimes, the best way to understand the importance of something is to look at the numbers. Let’s dive into some key statistics that highlight why breastfeeding is so crucial for babies, mothers, and our world.
The Impact on Infant Health
Reduced infant mortality: Breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality by up to 13%. This means fewer babies die from preventable causes like diarrhea and pneumonia.
Protection against diseases: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from a range of illnesses, including ear infections, respiratory infections, and allergies.
Cognitive development: Studies have shown that breastfed babies tend to have higher IQs and better cognitive outcomes.
Stronger immune systems: Breast milk helps build a baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life, as supported by the CDC, WHO, American Academy of Pediatrics, Cleveland Clinic, and others.
The Benefits for Mothers
Reduced risk of disease: Breastfeeding lowers the risk of numerous diseases, particularly some of those most prevalent in today’s society. This includes diseases such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, bone health, and postpartum depression.
Cost-effective: Breastfeeding saves families money on formula as well as healthcare costs. Numerous groups, such as The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, have investigated the different aspects of savings that impact a family’s finances when they choose to breastfeed.
Bonding: Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby. The research is often considered complex and nuanced, but it is a long time supported belief by breastfeeding specialists.
Faster weight loss: Breastfeeding can help new mothers lose weight more quickly and return to their pre-pregnancy weight, particularly due to the fact breastfeeding burns extra calories, often contributing to weight loss. Postpartum hormones can also play a role in this benefit. La Leche League, Healthline and other sources offer articles and support on this topic; however, it is not a guaranteed form of postpartum weight loss.
The Global Picture
Inequalities: Breastfeeding rates vary widely across the globe, with disparities based on income, education, and geographic location. Globally, around 40-50% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months and the median duration of breastfeeding is 12-23 months; however, in the U.S., only about 25% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months with the average duration only around 8-12 months.
Economic impact: It is estimated that breastfeeding saves billions of dollars in healthcare costs globally.
Lives saved: The Cost of Not Breastfeeding Tool calculates that more than 515,000 lives could be saved each year if breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations.
Sustainable development: Breastfeeding is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to feed a baby. Since 2016, the WBW campaign has aligned its goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations for this very reason.
These statistics paint a clear picture of the immense benefits of breastfeeding, and the fact that mothers across the globe need support in their journeys. That’s why Hygeia Health is committed to supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our high-quality breast pumps and educational resources are designed to make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable.
It’s more than just nutrition; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of both mother and child. Despite the overwhelming evidence, many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding. Look to our next post in this series to dive into those challenges as we support moms through World Breastfeeding Week.