A new report is out about the benefits of breastfeeding in developing countries. From the LA Times article about the report:

This spring, the federal Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) published a report that evaluated the research on breast-feeding and children’s health. Assembling the data involved a year and a half of combing through more than 9,000 studies and reviews, selecting those that met strict quality criteria.Dr. Ruth Lawrence, who chairs the breast-feeding task force of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), said the result is the “most comprehensive, all-inclusive” document on breast-feeding in developed countries. “It’s an excellent report,” she said.

While it’s difficult to prove cause and effect with these studies, I think there is still something to be said for this kind of evidence, especially considering that the medical community and the formula companies have a lot of damage to undo from the years of formula and bottle feeding promotion. What I’m still waiting for is the research that proves that formula feeding is beneficial and has all these disease prevention possibilities.

With that in mind, the report found that breast-fed babies were:

* 64% less likely to develop gastrointestinal infections

* 72% less likely to be hospitalized for lower respiratory tract disease

* 23% to 50% less likely to develop ear infections

* 4% to 82% less likely to develop necrotizing enterocolitis if premature.

* 36% less likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome

* 42% less likely to develop atopic dermatitis

* 27% to 40% less likely to develop early-childhood asthma

* 15% to 19% less likely to develop childhood leukemia

* 19% to 27% less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes

* 7% to 24% less likely to be obese

* 39% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes

I do agree with those who say we shouldn’t scare women into breastfeeding and rather encourage and support women.

Dr. Darshak Sanghavi, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, said that the focus should be on helping women who want to breast-feed, rather than “browbeating” those who don’t.

Since I just came back from a two day conference about breastfeeding, this action alert caught my eye. It’s from an organization called MomsRising:

MomsRising has a goal of bringing millions of people, who all share a common concern about the need to build a more family-friendly America, together as a non-partisan force for 2008 and beyond. This grassroots, online effort is mobilizing mothers, and all who have mothers, across America as a cohesive force for change.

You can see more about them at their website, as well as sign up for their e-alerts, which are great.

More about the Breastfeeding Promotion Act:

Dear MomsRising Member,

As the mother of four breast-fed children (including a set of twins), I take it seriously when mothers describe difficulties they encounter trying to breastfeed their babies.

Recently we told you about Sophie Currier, a medical student who needed pumping breaks during her 9-hour board exam. We also told you about Janee McConnell, who was an exceptional employee at a grocery store but could not convince management of the need for a clean, comfortable room in which to pump for her third baby.

Stories like this make me realize that WE must tell our own members of Congress that we want them to pass the Breastfeeding Promotion Act. We need to take a stand on this or else they won’t. A bill goes nowhere without co-sponsors. So we need your help: Ask your Congressperson to co-sponsor the Breastfeeding Promotion Act by clicking below to send a letter right now. In just one click, you can send a letter asking your representatives to co-sponsor The Breastfeeding Promotion Act and also sign a statement of support for the Breastfeeding Promotion Act.

TAKE ACTION FOR THE BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT BY CLICKING HERE

This will be the final post from the Breastfeeding and Feminism conference. It has been an interesting two days, I’ve learned more about breastfeeding than I ever might have wanted to, but have also learned what it looks like when a new group grapples with the idea of reproductive justice. It’s a difficult concept to grasp, but particularly to use. I appreciate the efforts to make these connections and even as an exercise I do believe it broadens all of our movements.

Now, on to the final keynote speech of the conference:

Jane Brown, PhD UNC-CH

Media and Breastfeeding: Friend or Foe?

The media is now controlled by huge conglomerates–10 media companies now control 80% of our media.Advertising does have an effect on habits: One study found that breastfeeding declines as hand-feeding ad in parenting magazines increase.

Breastfeeding is a tough sell. There are few products to market, you may evoke negative feelings about breastfeeding, on top of the infant formula lobby.

New research says that when people see images of women breastfeeding, it reminds us of our creatureliness and may evoke death anxiety. They think this is related to a new state of “terror management” provoked by this post-9/11 culture.

<Clip from Chicago Hope shown about a 6 week old who dies from dehydration and malnutrition due to breastfeeding> The episode was promoted by the pharmaceutical companies who make formula. Based on a case where a woman was convicted of manslaughter for the death of her child due to malnutrition. This is an example of “entertainment education.”

Use new media! (woo-hoo, plug for bloggers)

Bumper sticker idea: Jesus was breastfed, Latch on to breastfeeding, Breastfeeding is green

Jane’s vision: Every time you see a baby on television, they are being breastfed. It’s not the conflict, or the controversy, its just the norm.

Norma Escobar, La Leche League Leader, Wilmington, NC
Experiences of Latin American Immigrant Women*

Language barriers: many of the immigrant women are not fluent in English, and are scared and alone without interpretation

Barriers to breastfeeding for immigrant women:

• Breasts are seen as functional in Latin America and public breastfeeding is not stigmatized. (In the US, breasts are seen as sexual)
• Mandatory breastfeeding time (one hour) from employers in Latin America. (Nothing like this mandated in the US)
• In Mexico, there are no free supplies or direct advertising to consumers. (Here both these things are rampant)
• First feedings are at the breast in Latin America. (In the US, it is with bottles, the formula bottles come with the nursery cart)
• Breastfeeding duration is more extended in Latin America. (In the US, it is much shorter)
• Birth considered a normal life cycle event in Latin America. (In the US, it is considered dangerous)
• Breastfeeding considered safest in L.A. (Here, considered risky)
• Breastfeeding as a woman and child’s right. (Here, a choice)
• Fear as a deterrent in the United States–a real fear, exacerbated by recent immigration raids

*Note: I’m really happy to hear about the experiences of immigrant women, which has so far been absent from the discussions.