New Research vs Reality Challenges for Breastfeeding Moms

RedTracker| Babies and moms are in the news. In what may be a partial explanation of my sperm counts are declining in males, a new study confirms that government-approved exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) used in everyday objects from baby bottles to food storage containers puts babies at risk.

BPA is a hormonally active substance that acts like the natural hormone estrogen and as an anti-androgen. Even small amounts of the substance can thus affect sexual development, especially for male fetuses and babies. via Science Daily.

In another study also released yesterday, Harvard Medical Schol doctors estimate that if American women followed the US government’s recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding, some 900 deaths could be prevented.

Using 2007 dollars, the researchers calculated the lack of breastfeeding cost some $4.7 billion and 447 excess deaths due to sudden infant syndrome alone.

The study, published online Monday in the journal Pediatrics, estimates even 80 percent breastfeeding compliance could save $10.5 billion and prevent 741 deaths each year.

Given the difficulty of breastfeeding in American culture, without paid maternity leave, consistent workplace accommodations, or a way to implement the new law, this statistics put nursing mothers in a real catch 22 situation.

A 2005 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated about 12 percent of U.S. mothers breastfed exclusively for six months, 42 percent did some breastfeeding for six months and 21.5 percent did some breastfeeding after 12 months. via UPI