Investigation of the Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Patterns

摘要

There are well-established short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and children. Research has shown that breastfeeding is associated with health, cognitive, and educational benefits for children. For example, studies in the United States (U.S.) and abroad have found evidence that children who are breastfed have lower rates of urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, allergic diseases, otitis media, bacterial meningitis, botulism, bacteremia, and necrotizing enterocoloitis. In addition to the physiological health benefits, human milk may benefit children's cognitive development. Studies also suggest that breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother's health. The list of beneficial maternal health outcomes includes lowered risk of breast and ovarian cancers, decreased incidence of long-term osteoporosis and pregnancy-induced obesity, more rapid return to the prepartum state, and reduced menstrual blood loss. Some evidence also demonstrates an improved sense of maternal self-esteem, bonding with infant, and success with mothering. Both individuals and society accrue large benefits from breastfeeding. For example, one study finds that medical expenditures were 20 percent less for fully-breastfed infants compared to never- breastfed infants (Hoey and Ware 1997). In addition, an analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service estimates at least $3.6 billion in annual savings if the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was increased to those levels recommended by the Surgeon General (Weimer 2001). This figure reflects $3.1 billion in savings attributable to preventing premature deaths and $0.5 billion in savings associated with reduced medical expenses and indirect costs of time and earnings savings to parents. These estimates should be considered conservative as they only include the costs of three common infant illnesses..