BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding

Summary

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts in which a mother can contribute to, for helping to ensure good health for her baby. There is no other single action which can impact the present and future health of an infant so greatly, aside from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not the only option for feeding infants, but any amount of time spent doing it, is valuable in every aspect of an infant's optimal growth and development. Breastfeeding is healthy for mothers because it helps the uterus, or womb, return to normal size quickly after the baby is born. It may help mothers with weight loss and reduces risk of several illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, some cancers and osteoporosis (thinning of your bones). The longer a woman breastfeeds the more likely she is to be protected from developing these problems in later life. Breastfeeding confers many benefits for both mother and baby both in terms of health and in building the strong emotional and social relationships that mothers and babies share. Research is unequivocal and has demonstrated that mothers and babies are healthier as a result. Breastfeeding helps protect babies against ear, chest, urine, gastro-intestinal infections, asthma, eczema, childhood diabetes and breastfed babies are less likely to become obese in later childhood.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an important health choice and can be one of the most beneficiary things that a mother can do for both herself and her baby. Breastfeeding not only benefits babies and mothers, but impacts our environment and society as well. When a mother chooses to breastfeed her infant she will be helping to protect her infant against infections and reduce the rates of later health problems for the baby including; diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Breast milk gives infants the very best protective immunological factors, and it has been said that breast milk transmits immunity from the mother to the baby, and can lead to enhanced tolerance to infection. Although infant formula is packed with essential vitamins and minerals and is great for the baby, breastfeeding her infant is the best choice a mother can make to insure that her child has the healthiest start in life, as well as a good start for herself.

There are many benefits for the mother as well when she decides to breastfeed. While breastfeeding she can lower her risk of some diseases and better recover after giving birth, also she will experience a sense of well being and a special bond with her newborn.

Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to babies and provides just the right balance of nutrients to help an infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Infants that are breastfed, have fewer deaths during the first year and experience fewer illnesses, compared to babies which are formula fed. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect an infant against common childhood illnesses and infections, such as diarrhea, ear infections, and certain lung infections. Breastfeeding helps to promote facial structure development, increased bone density, enhanced speech, better ...