Mother's milk reduces the likelihood of having diabetic children

Observer Staff

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

By Kathe Martin, RN, BS, C.L.C. Maternal-Child Services Coordinator

Aug. 1-7 is World Breast-feeding Week and this year's theme is "Breast-feeding in a Globalized World for Peace and Justice."

Research shows that children who breast-feed get sick less often and their illnesses are less severe. Breast-fed infants enjoy greater protection against communicable and infectious diseases, allergies, asthma and diabetes, and also have a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome. Nursed babies have higher IQs-averaging 10 points above formula-fed infants-and less tooth decay.

It is estimated that more than $1 billion is spent annually to cover the cost of treating four specific illness categories in non-breast-fed infants: diarrheal diseases, respiratory virus, Type I diabetes and ear infection.

Health care providers have long supported, encouraged and strongly recommended breast-feeding as the primary source of nutrition for newborn babies and infants. Benefits include a strong bond between mother and baby, weight loss for mom, and a cost savings by eliminating formula.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to breast-feed in Indian Country is the significant reduction of diabetes in children. Breast-feeding may also delay the onset of Type II diabetes in women who have had gestational diabetes (high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.) With the growing number of diabetes in Indian Country, a preventative measure as simple as nursing can reduce the risk of a child developing diabetes by as much as 50 percent.

Cow and soy milk-based formula contain larger proteins that are less easily digested. This causes more gas, constipation and spitting up, which interferes with optimal nutrition. Formula also introduces nonhuman antibodies that act as a foreign stimulus to an infant's body. This can cause destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas, which help produce insulin. If susceptible infants experience this reaction they will develop Type I diabetes.

Breast milk has exactly the right combination of amino acids, or proteins, that a human infant needs offering protection against beta cell destruction. Breast milk also keeps a baby's plasma insulin levels stable after each feeding. Formula causes an increase in insulin levels that does not return to normal baseline for up to 90 minutes. This factor may be part of what contributes to early childhood obesity in formula-fed infants.

Soy formula has high levels of plant estrogen, which can influence the onset of early puberty in girls, possibly leading to obesity. The increase of obesity in children has a direct correlation with the increased incidence in Type II diabetes in children. Research also shows an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease in soy formula-fed infants.

If you think this sounds technical, you are absolutely right. Our Grandmothers and our Great Grandmothers didn't need all this research to know that buffalo milk grows healthy calves, waboose milk grows healthy bunnies, and human milk grows healthy babies. Commercial formula companies spend millions of dollars each year to try and convince women that their product is "the next best thing to breast milk." Why give your baby second best when you, and you alone, can give them the very best start?

The Nimkee Clinic has three certified lactation counselors, a lactation specialist, and several experienced staff members to support and help the community. Nimkee staff are on hand to answer questions, offer supplies and provide educational materials supporting breast-feeding. Women who are hesitant to breast-feed because of concerns with medications or diseases should contact Healthy Start. Many alternative medications are available and there are very few reasons a mother should not breast-feed. Unfortunately a lot of inaccurate information is presented to women regarding breast-feeding, as not everyone in the health care profession is trained in the field of human lactation.

Please stop in at Nimkee for World Breast-feeding Week Aug. 4-8. There will be door prizes, educational information, and available staff to answer questions. Watch for further articles in the Tribal Observer or call Nimkee Public Health for more information about our monthly breast-feeding support group and brunch at (989) 775-4621.