c. Risks of Not Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child are being recognized more and more. Have you ever thought about the risks to you and your baby’s health associated with not breastfeeding? The following list will help you to discover the most common risks mentioned in the literature. Food for thought...

 

  1. Increased risk of allergy and asthma
  2. Reduced cognitive development
  3. Increased risk of acute respiratory disease
  4. Increased risk for infection from contaminated formula
  5. Increased risk of childhood cancers
  6. Increased risk of obesity and diabetes
  7. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  8. Increased risk of gastrointestinal and ear infections
  9. Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome*
  10. Increased risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer for mothers
  11. Increased risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis for mothers
  12. Increased risk of maternal diabetes

 

Reference:

INFACT Canada. 14 Risks of Formula Feeding. Retrieved from: http://www.infactcanada.ca/pdf/14-Risks-Small.pdf

INFACT Canada. 2006. Risks of Formula Feeding. Retrieved from: http://www.infactcanada.ca/RisksofFormulaFeeding.pdf

Section preview: 
SECTION PREVIEW
MODULE 4

1. Expression of Milk

During the first weeks you may have to express milk if:

  • your breasts are too hard for the baby to latch.
  • you want to feed your baby with breast milk when you are apart.
  • you need to increase your milk production.

This is how to express milk manually.

Most mothers do not need a breast pump. If you do need a breast pump, there are a variety of pumps available for rent or purchase from lactation consultants, hospitals, medical supply outlets, drug stores and some children's stores. Lactation consultants provide instructions and support for the pumps they supply. You can consult a public health nurse at 613-580-6744, a Lactation Consultant, La Leche League, a nurse or midwife about which pump is best for you. The type of pump you select depends on what you intend using it for.

No matter which type of pump you select, you must always follow the instructions that come with the pump.

 

Here are a few tips if you are planning on purchasing a breast pump.

MODULE 4

2. Storing and Thawing of Breast Milk

Here are a few tips when choosing containers used to store the breast milk.

Here are a few tips when storing breast milk.

Breast milk can be stored in the following places.

Tips to thaw breast milk efficiently and safely.

MODULE 4