Because my baby girl was born premature the nurses encouraged me to breast feed. Not only did the breast milk help her gain weight it also improved her immune system.
There are many benefits for both mother and child when a woman chooses to breastfeed. Human milk is custom-made for babies, with all the right nutrients and in the right amounts. There is no guesswork involved & of course it is FREE!!!
Here are just a few of the benefits babies stand to gain from the breastfeeding relationship: less gas, diarrhea, and constipation, higher IQ, less risk of childhood obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The rewards of breastfeeding are often overlooked when it comes to mom. Breastfeeding for mom promotes uterine contractions after childbirth and reduces bleeding which leads to a quick recover as well as promotes weight loss. It is also convenient and saves time.
Breastfeeding in Africa
When breastfeeding mother's have to be careful about what they eat and drink because it can be passed to the baby through the breat milk. We are all aware of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. This epidemic could threaten the number of mother that choose to breatfeed becaue the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk. HIV-positive mothers may find it difficult to cope with the constraints of replacement feeding, in terms of cost, workload and time, and with the additional health care needs of non-breastfed infants.
aditional resource on breastfeeding:
I too think that breastmilk is the best for babies, and wish more mothers would be willing to do it. Too many new mothers don't want to be bothered with it and just do formula many from the first day after birth. I think that children who are breastfed have a healthier immune system and get a better jumpstart in life. The bond is definitely incredible between the baby and mother, and I truly enjoyed being able to do it with both of my sons.
ReplyDeleteI hope that expectant mothers can experience breastfeeding and feel the same emotions that those of us who have breastfed have felt. It is a bond between mother and baby that cannot be captured in any other way.
ReplyDeleteHi Chantay!
ReplyDeleteI also chose to discuss breast feeding for my blog assignment this week. Breast feeding is really important to the mother and child. A lot of doctors don't encourage women to breast feed. I think maybe they have a deal with the milk companies or somethings (laugh). I do however, know that midwives do encourage breast feeding. You do have a closer bond with your baby if you can breast feed. There are also cons to breast feedings so as you stated you do have to be careful because the mother can transmit to the baby. My son did NOT like breast milk after the 2nd week at home. But I was able to loose some weight rapidly which I think was a benefit from breast feeding! I enjoyed reading your post. :)