Summarize All The Short-Term And Long-Term Health Benefits

Summarize All The Short Term And Long Term Health Benefits For Moth

Summarize all the short-term and long-term health benefits for mothers who breastfeed as presented by the AAP article (2012). Based on AAP’s (2012) recommendations, what should lactating mothers include in their diets to ensure they are well-nourished during the period of breastfeeding? Examine each contraindication to breastfeeding and explain why mothers in each of these circumstances would not be encouraged to breastfeed according to AAP (2012). The AAP (2012) article is below.

Paper For Above instruction

Breastfeeding offers a multitude of short-term and long-term health benefits for mothers, as extensively discussed in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2012 guidelines. These benefits extend beyond immediate postpartum advantages to influence maternal health across the lifespan. In this paper, I will explore the comprehensive health benefits associated with breastfeeding, detail the nutritional considerations recommended by the AAP to ensure well-nourished lactating mothers, and analyze contraindications that impede breastfeeding according to the same authority.

Short-term health benefits for mothers

In the immediate postpartum period, breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to mothers. One critical advantage is the reduction in postpartum hemorrhage risk due to the release of oxytocin during nursing, which stimulates uterine contractions and promotes involution. This hormonal response helps prevent excessive bleeding and facilitates recovery after childbirth. Additionally, breastfeeding contributes to the suppression of ovulation, aiding in natural birth spacing, although reliance solely on lactation for contraception is not recommended. It also promotes bonding between mother and infant through skin-to-skin contact, which can alleviate postpartum depression and foster emotional well-being. Moreover, mothers who breastfeed often experience earlier returns to their pre-pregnancy weight, attributable to increased caloric expenditure associated with milk production.

Long-term health benefits for mothers

Long-term benefits of breastfeeding encompass reductions in the risk of various chronic diseases. Evidence indicates that women who breastfeed have a lower incidence of breast and ovarian cancers. The protective effect is partly due to hormonal changes associated with lactation that delay ovulation, and physical changes in breast tissue during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is also associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life, especially among women predisposed genetically or through prior gestational diabetes. Cardiovascular health improvements, including lower incidences of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, have also been observed in women who breastfeed. These long-term benefits not only enhance maternal quality of life but also reduce healthcare costs related to chronic disease management.

Dietary recommendations for lactating mothers

According to the AAP (2012), ensuring adequate maternal nutrition during breastfeeding is vital for both the mother and infant. Lactating mothers should incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods into their diets, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products, to meet increased caloric and micronutrient needs. The AAP recommends an additional 450-500 kilocalories per day for breastfeeding mothers starting from the first month postpartum. Moreover, calcium intake should be maintained at about 1,000 mg per day, and iron requirements should be increased to compensate for losses during childbirth. Hydration is essential, with mothers advised to drink water regularly to stay well-hydrated. Micronutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin A, and B vitamins are also crucial to support milk production and maternal health. The AAP emphasizes avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, which could be transmitted through breast milk and affect the infant.

Contraindications to breastfeeding and their explanations

The AAP (2012) delineates specific circumstances under which breastfeeding is contraindicated. Mothers with active or untreated tuberculosis should not breastfeed because of the risk of transmitting the infection to the infant through contact with contaminated respiratory secretions. Mothers infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or II are also advised against breastfeeding, due to the potential transmission of these viruses through breast milk. Certain maternal medications, such as chemotherapy agents or illicit drugs, are contraindicated because they can harm the infant through breast milk. Additionally, mothers undergoing treatments with radioactive isotopes are advised not to breastfeed during and for a specified period after therapy, to prevent radiation exposure to the infant. Maternal HIV infection presents a complex consideration, with some guidelines discouraging breastfeeding in resource-limited settings due to transmission risk, whereas in others, such as developed countries with antiretroviral therapy, the benefits may outweigh risks. Lastly, mothers with active herpes lesions on the breasts are advised to avoid breastfeeding on the affected side to prevent transmission of the virus to the infant's skin or mucosa.

In summary, while breastfeeding confers numerous benefits, certain maternal health conditions and circumstances necessitate abstention to protect the infant's health. Healthcare providers must evaluate each case carefully, considering the potential risks and benefits, and recommend alternative feeding methods whenever contraindications exist.

References

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). The value of breastfeeding. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827-e841.
  • Victora, C. G., et al. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effects. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475-490.
  • Horta, B. L., & Victora, C. G. (2013). Short-term effects of breastfeeding: a systematic review. WHO.
  • Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Guidelines.
  • Moideenkha, B. T., et al. (2020). Maternal nutrition during lactation: a review. International Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2(3), 89-96.
  • Kiess, W., et al. (2015). Long-term effects of breastfeeding on health. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 28(7-8), 663-670.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Breastfeeding FAQs. Committee Opinion No. 658.
  • Labbok, M., & Krasovec, K. (1990). Toward evidence-based recommendations for breastfeeding duration. Studies in Family Planning, 21(6), 333-339.
  • WHO. (2018). Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices. WHO/NMH/NHD/01.1.
  • Eidelman, A. I., & Schanler, R. J. (2012). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827-e841.

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