Health Check: Benefits of breastfeeding - WOWT

Fremont, Neb. (WOWT) - More moms nationwide are trying to breastfeed, though they're not staying with it as long as doctors would like. In this month's Health Check report, Serese Cole explains why they should.

Seven-month-old Robert Giesselmann is happy and healthy and his mother believes her decision to breastfeed is one reason why. "Basically, it's everything they'd every need," says Megan Giesselmann.

"Mom's milk has just the exact amounts of perfect amounts of sugars and carbohydrates and fats," says nurse practitioner Diane Pelan-Johnson, adding that's something you can't duplicate. "The formula companies do their best to try and mimic them, but they still have not been able to come close."

As a result, more moms are at least trying to breastfeed. "Those numbers have really shot up," says Pelan-Johnson. "It's something the United States and Nebraska has really worked hard to do in the last 10 years."

According to the CDC's 2016 breastfeeding report card, it's working. Eighty percent of mothers in Nebraska and Iowa attempted to breastfeed last year, but after six months only about 50 percent were still breastfeeding. When it comes to reaching the recommended one year mark, the numbers fell another 20 percent.

That's troubling news for Pelan-Johnson, who doesn't want babies to miss out on the benefits. Babies who are breastfed for at least six months are less likely to have ear infections, respiratory illnesses and suffer from sudden infant death syndrome. It also reduces their risk for chronic illnesses like asthma, allergies, diabetes and childhood obesity.

There are also benefits for mothers. "It really decreases our risk of breast cancer," says Pelan-Johnson. "It also decreases our risk of getting ovarian cancer, diabetes as well as obesity for us as well."

Another benefit you may not think about is breastfeeding can save you money. It's estimated that parents can spend anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 on formula a year. Breastfeeding is free.

Megan admits it wasn't an easy start. "It was a little tough with my first because I didn't have any idea what to experience." But she's glad she stuck with it. "To be able to sit and rock your baby and feed it, it's just amazing."

Medical professionals are hoping more moms will do the same. Pelan-Johnson says if you are having trouble breastfeeding, don't stay at home and struggle. Make an appointment with a board certified lactation consultant or your doctor. They can help you get back on track and make it a positive experience for you and your baby.