Breastfeeding, early brain development, and epigenetics - Getting children off to their best start

摘要

PEDIATRICIANS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE professionals have a critical role to play as advocates and supporters of successful breastfeeding. Given the documented short-and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes infant nutrition should not be considered merely a lifestyle choice but a public health issue. Breastfeeding is one of the most highly effective preventive measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant and herself. The most comprehensive review and analysis of scientific literature comparing short- and long-team health outcomes of breastfeeding is "Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries"1 from the evidence-based practice centers of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The data suggest dose-response relationships between the duration of breastfeeding and many of its protective outcomes. Although the nutritional benefits are well documented, breastfeeding has also been reported to promote a unique emotional connection between mother and baby.