Survey highlights benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding between pregnancies is a natural, economic and simple way to manage a mother’s weight which can help lower the risk of stillbirth and infant death, says New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance (NZBA) Executive Officer, Julie Stufkens.

In a Lancet editorial published today Professor Lesley McCowan, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Auckland and Dr Chris McKinlay, a neonatal paediatrician from the Liggins Institute highlight research that found weight gain between pregnancies (even in healthy weight women) increases the risk of stillbirth and infant death.

“Women shouldn’t be alarmed by this study but it does serve as a timely reminder that breastfeeding requires the burning of a lot of energy as well as a highly effective way of nourishing a baby.” Julie Stufkens said.

“Weight gain in pregnancy is designed to store energy in order to give the resources the body needs to breastfeed and sustain the baby for months after birth.”

“Breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight or obese as adults and are less likely to develop cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Breast milk is the optimal food for infants and provides babies with all the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.”
“The aim of the NZBA is to see breastfeeding become the cultural norm in New Zealand for mothers who can breastfeed. Our focus is on improving rates among Maori and Pacifica women who often have a lower breastfeeding rate than the overall population,” Ms Stufkens said.

ENDS