breastfeeding

• What percentage of mothers in the UK want to breastfeed their babies during pregnancy?

  More than 90%
• What is the percentage of babies in the UK given formula milk by 6 weeks of age?

  More than 50%
• How many mothers in the UK are breastfeeding by the time their baby is one year old?

  Only one in 200 mothers
• What proportion of UK mothers stop breastfeeding before they would have wished?

  More than 9 out of 10 mothers
• What is the breastfeeding rate in the UK compared to other countries?

  The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world
• What is the variation in breastfeeding initiation rates among socio-economic groups in the UK?

  17% in lower socio-economic groups to 92% in higher socio-economic groups
• What is a concern regarding breastfeeding rates in the UK?

  Drop-off rates continue to be a concern
• How does not breastfeeding contribute to health inequalities?

  Not breastfeeding contributes to health inequalities
• Why does human milk and breastfeeding matter for babies, mothers, and the population as a whole?

  • Provides essential nutrients and immunity
  • Supports brain development and gut microbiome
  • Reduces health risks for both babies and mothers
• What societal influence affects breastfeeding in Western society?

  Formula milk marketing suggests babies should stop breastfeeding at 6 months
• What do comparative studies with other primate species suggest about the natural term of breastfeeding?

  It can last over two years, likely ranging from 4 to 7 years
• What differences have studies shown between babies fed human milk and those supplemented with formula?

  Differences in gut microbiome and brain development
• What are the constituents of formula and human milk?

  • Water
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Growth factors (only in human milk)
  • Lymphocytes (only in human milk)
  • Stem cells (only in human milk)
  • Immunoglobulins (only in human milk)
  • Leukocytes (only in human milk)
  • Lactoferrin (only in human milk)
  • Oligosaccharides (only in human milk)
  • Milk lipids (only in human milk)
  • Enzymes (only in human milk)
  • IL-7 (only in human milk)
  • Cytokines (only in human milk)
• What are the special features of colostrum?

  • Packed with protective factors
  • Concentrated nutrition
  • Strong anti-inflammatory factors
  • Stimulates gut growth
  • Small volumes intentionally
  • Laxative effect to clear meconium
• What risks does not breastfeeding increase for babies?

  Gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, allergies, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, SIDS, NEC
• What risks does not breastfeeding increase for mothers?

  Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hip fractures, heart disease
• What components does human milk provide to set up a baby's defenses?

  • Fluid
  • Nutrients
  • Immunity
  • Hormones
  • Microbes
  • Metabolites
• How do babies acquire their microbiome?

  • Through vaginal birth and skin-to-skin contact
  • Through mother's milk in the postnatal period
  • Exposure to maternal microbes in the womb
• What happens if a baby is born by caesarean section regarding microbiome transfer?

  They miss out on vaginal transfer of microbes
• What is the role of antibodies in breastfeeding?

  • Antibodies are produced in response to pathogens
  • They are sent to the breasts and incorporated into breastmilk
• What is the significance of epigenetics in breastfeeding?

  • Changes to genes influenced by environmental factors
  • Passed down to future generations via maternal line
  • May impact brain development, immune system, and metabolic system
• What does breastfeeding provide beyond nutrition?

  • Protection
  • Comfort
• What are the key components of the Baby Friendly Initiative?

  • Promoting health and wellbeing for all babies
  • Developing a National Infant Feeding Strategy
  • Implementing evidence-based initiatives
  • Protecting from harmful commercial interests
• What is the estimated cost to the NHS of treating illnesses resulting from formula feeding?

  £48 million every year
• What is the predicted worth of the UK formula industry by 2019?

  $907 million
• How many child deaths could be prevented by scaling up breastfeeding globally?

  An estimated 823,000 child deaths

  
• What misconception exists regarding breastmilk and artificial products?

  That breastmilk can be replaced with artificial products without detrimental consequences
• What actions does UNICEF UK call on governments to take regarding breastfeeding?

  1. Develop a National Infant Feeding Strategy Board
  2. Include actions to promote breastfeeding in policy areas
  3. Implement evidence-based initiatives
  4. Protect the public from harmful commercial interests