I never found breastfeeding to be so important until the day I delivered my daughter who was born 2lbs and 15oz. The doctors stressed how important it was to breastfeed a premature baby. I was told how healthy the milk was, and that it would help my daughter from becoming sick. This subject is meaningful to me because it expresses reasons to mothers on why they should choose to breastfeed. According to researchers babies are likely to be less sick due to the hormones and antibodies. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system. (It also been proved that it can reduce the risk of SIDS (Women’s Health).
I discovered that in New Zealand when babies are breastfed they are more intelligent. (Horwood and Ferguson). Mostly all children in Pakistan are breastfed. It is recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months (Hanif 2011).
The information towards breastfeeding impacts my life because I plan to have more children. My first child was breastfed until she was 5 months, so hopefully the second go round will last until the 12th month. In researching several articles I’m still convinced that breastfeeding is the option for me. Once I decide to birth again I will remember that breast milk helps to keep babies from getting sick and may even make baby girls less at risk for cancer as they become older.
References:
Horwood and Fergusson, "Breastfeeding and Later Cognitive and Academic Outcomes", Jan 1998 Pediatrics Vol. 101, No. 1
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/ empowering women to live healthy lives
Hanif, H.(2011). Trends in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Pakistan, 1990-2007. Breastfeeding Journal 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
Andrea-
ReplyDeleteI also agree in that breast feeding provides essential vitamins that only a mother's milk can provide. Breast feeding is also a special time in which the mother and infant can bond, and I am happy that it worked out for you and your daughter. I wasn't that lucky in being able to breast feed either of my daughters. With my first child I feel that I was too stressed and worried a lot because she got jauntice and started to loose weight. With my second daughter, I got mastitis and couldn't keep up with pumping. I am glad glad I switched to formula because I was becoming a very stressed, tired, and cranky mom:) I don't regret switching, but I envy you in being able to embrace something so special. Thank you for sharing your story!
I breastfeed and when they first put my baby boy on my it hurt like crazy and I automatically wanted to stop, but I continue because I saw how benefitical it was to me and my baby. He was growing and developing really good. The research I found on Thailand said that they had a low breastfeeding rate. Breastfeeding helps mother gain a bond with baby. Do you think that a mother who has multiple children is capable of breastfeeding?
ReplyDeleteDear Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI was also unaware of the benefits of breast feeding and knew as a premature child myself my mother didn't breastfeed me. I never paid that much attention to it. When I asked her about it a while ago,she told me she was advised not to breastfeed and use formula instead because her milk was not nutritious enough. I would like to do some research to find out if it can be the case when a mother's milk is less nutritious than formula and should they stop breast feeding altogether or compliment it by formula. My mother's weight was normal and she never consumed alcohol or drugs in her life. thanks for your post!
Maryam