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5 Benefits Of Breast-feeding By: iNetIncome
The arrival of a new baby if one of nature's special miracles.
One of the first decisions that a new mother needs to make is whether to breastfeed or not. A mother's decision to breast-feed can be based on a number of factors. These factors can be influenced by both the mother and the new baby. If both the mother and the baby are prepared and willing, then most medical authorities suggest exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of the baby's life. Furthermore, these same authorities suggest breast-feeding until at least 12 months of age, and even longer if possible.
In general breast-feeding is thought to help defend against infections, allergies, and a number of other chronic conditions. At the same time, it is acknowledged that breast-feeding may not be possible for all mothers and their children. There may be lifestyle, physical, or medical considerations that have an impact.
It must always be remembered that if you are unable to breast-feed for any reason, you should not feel guilty.
Let's examine five of the advantages of breast-feeding.
(1) Bonding
Nursing is a wonderful experience for both a baby and its mother. Not only does it provide nourishment as a food should, it also helps to create a bonding experience. This bonding began when the baby was still in the womb, and continues during the nursing period of life. Some would say the close skin to skin contact is also a factor in the bonding.
(2) Infection-fighting
Although antibodies have already been passing from a mother to her baby via the umbilical cord, the process continues during breast-feeding. These antibodies can help in the prevention of ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and even more dangerous conditions like meningitis. Many medical experts suggest that a nursing mothers anti-bodies passing through her milk also decrease the chances of allergies, asthma, diabetes, and even sudden infant death syndrome. Studies have shown that as a group, breast-fed babies require hospitalization less often than their formula fed neighbours.
(3) Nutrition
Logic would suggest that a mother's milk is the perfect food for her baby's digestive system. The proportion of lactose, protein, and fat are just right for the newborn. This leads to less digestive problems, like constipation or diarrhea, than we see in formula fed babies.
(4) Cost
This one should be obvious. Formula must be purchased at a store, whereas breast milk is free. If we accept the fact that formula fed babies need more medical attention than breast-fed babies, then there are various costs associated with that as well.
(5) Convenience
Another obvious fact. With no need to take along all the things required to deal with formula, a breast-feeding mother will find it easier to come and go with her baby. This fact is also a definite advantage to the father, who will not be asked to get up in the middle of the night in order to go to the kitchen and deal with formula preparation.
Be natural. Be happy. Be healthy. Choose breast-feeding.
View a summary video of this article at YouTube.
One of the first decisions that a new mother needs to make is whether to breastfeed or not. A mother's decision to breast-feed can be based on a number of factors. These factors can be influenced by both the mother and the new baby. If both the mother and the baby are prepared and willing, then most medical authorities suggest exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of the baby's life. Furthermore, these same authorities suggest breast-feeding until at least 12 months of age, and even longer if possible.
In general breast-feeding is thought to help defend against infections, allergies, and a number of other chronic conditions. At the same time, it is acknowledged that breast-feeding may not be possible for all mothers and their children. There may be lifestyle, physical, or medical considerations that have an impact.
It must always be remembered that if you are unable to breast-feed for any reason, you should not feel guilty.
Let's examine five of the advantages of breast-feeding.
(1) Bonding
Nursing is a wonderful experience for both a baby and its mother. Not only does it provide nourishment as a food should, it also helps to create a bonding experience. This bonding began when the baby was still in the womb, and continues during the nursing period of life. Some would say the close skin to skin contact is also a factor in the bonding.
(2) Infection-fighting
Although antibodies have already been passing from a mother to her baby via the umbilical cord, the process continues during breast-feeding. These antibodies can help in the prevention of ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and even more dangerous conditions like meningitis. Many medical experts suggest that a nursing mothers anti-bodies passing through her milk also decrease the chances of allergies, asthma, diabetes, and even sudden infant death syndrome. Studies have shown that as a group, breast-fed babies require hospitalization less often than their formula fed neighbours.
(3) Nutrition
Logic would suggest that a mother's milk is the perfect food for her baby's digestive system. The proportion of lactose, protein, and fat are just right for the newborn. This leads to less digestive problems, like constipation or diarrhea, than we see in formula fed babies.
(4) Cost
This one should be obvious. Formula must be purchased at a store, whereas breast milk is free. If we accept the fact that formula fed babies need more medical attention than breast-fed babies, then there are various costs associated with that as well.
(5) Convenience
Another obvious fact. With no need to take along all the things required to deal with formula, a breast-feeding mother will find it easier to come and go with her baby. This fact is also a definite advantage to the father, who will not be asked to get up in the middle of the night in order to go to the kitchen and deal with formula preparation.
Be natural. Be happy. Be healthy. Choose breast-feeding.
View a summary video of this article at YouTube.
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