Table 2 |
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Benefits of feeding at-breast as opposed to bottle feeding expressed breast milk (EBM) |
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| Benefits to infant |
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| Improved oxygenation and temperature regulation during feedings |
• Higher oxygen saturation • Better coordinated sucking, swallowing, breathing pattern • Increased body temperature • Fewer episodes of apnea and bradycardia |
| Advantages of skin-to-skin contact |
• Increased breast milk volume • Greater production of maternal milk antibodies to pathogens in infant's environment |
| Enhanced nutritional and immunological properties of breast milk |
• Superior nutritional content lost by freezing, thawing and reheating EBM • Lower risk of bacterial contamination and growth due to handling |
| Better oral development |
• Optimal mandibular development • Strengthening of the jaw muscles • Increased nasal cavity space • Improved future teeth alignment and decrease in malocclusions • Greater breathing efficiency |
| More efficient emptying of the breast |
• Greater milk volume in same amount of time as breast pump • Increase in milk volume over time |
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| Benefits to mother |
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| Reduced risk of breast trauma |
• Less risk of mastitis with ineffective emptying of breast • Lower risk of damage to nipple from breast pump |
| Reduced risks to mothers' health |
• Decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes • Reduced risk of breast cancer |
| Psychological effects |
• Potential reduction in perceived stress and negative mood after feedings |
| Practical advantages |
• Less time in preparing EBM for feeding and cleaning of supplies • Breast milk at optimal temperature without preparation • Cost savings in not renting or buying an electric breast pump |
Buckley and Charles International Breastfeeding Journal 2006 1:13 doi:10.1186/1746-4358-1-13 |
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