Breast Feeding



Abstract

Breast feeding provides various benefits for both the mother and child's health. It is vital for the infant and helps in making them stronger and healthier. In the paper there are different benefits of breastfeeding discussed in perspective of mother, infant and the society. It also explains the health risks to the children if they are not on breast milk. The paper further enlightens different position of breast feeding and the common challenged related to it.

Breast Feeding

Introduction

Nursing provides a beautiful experience of special bonding and nourishment for mother and child. It provides various benefits to the baby as breast milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients that helps the infants in getting healthier and stronger. The nutrients in the breast milk protect the children against childhood diseases and infections (Picciano, 2001). The mother's health who breastfeed their children, is also protected against various types of diseases and cancers. Women who don't suffer through health problems should breastfeed their kids at least till 6 months of their initial life. If the mother is suffering from active tuberculosis or HIV, then it is better not to breastfeed the child.

Discussion

Breast feeding has various benefits for both the mother and the child and it creates the special bond between them. The benefits are also reflected on the entire society and helps improving the health of both the infant and the mother.

Benefits for Baby

Breast milk provides the infants with the most complete form of nutrients they require to stay healthy. The milk of a mother contains the right amount of water, sugar, fat and proteins required by the baby for proper growth and development (Picciano, 2001). The early breast milk is known as liquid gold. The milk provides the infants with the antibodies necessary to protect the baby. The breast milk of the women changes as the baby turn mature, providing them with necessary nutrients.

The breast milk is easier for the kids to digest as compared to the formulas. The proteins that the formulas contain are made up of cow's milk and it is more difficult for the infants to digest. The babies don't gain unnecessary weight increase. Breast milk is even more beneficial for premature babies as compared to those on formula diets. The kids turn out to be smarter and they score higher on IQ tests.

Breast milk provides the cells, antibodies and hormones that protect them from various diseases. Babies that are on breast milk have lower risks of:

Asthma

Diabetes

Lower respiratory infections

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Obesity

Benefits for Mom

Breast feeding is not just important for the health of the babies but it is also a cost effective way of feeding the child (Riordan, 1997). Breastfeeding provides nourishment for the infant at a small cost to the mother (Santrock, 2008). Breastfeeding helps the mothers in burning up the extra calories, making it easier for the mothers to help lose pregnancy weight faster (www.womenshealth.gov). It also helps in controlling any bleeding a woman might face after giving birth and helps the uterus getting back to its original size by ...