One of the most fundamental decisions an expectant mother has to make is to choose whether or not to breastfeed. Throughout the decades, breastfeeding has gone in and out of style. In the forties and fifties, doctors discouraged it, so many who were born in the baby boomer years were never breastfed. However, today everyone is learning of the incredible benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
Babies who are breastfed have been proven to be much healthier. Their immune system is stronger, they maintain a healthy weight, and they even show increases in brain power and learning capacity. Breastfeeding also allows mother and baby to enjoy a certain intimacy that helps nurture a feeling of warmth and love. Many feel that breastfeeding has a positive psychological effect on a child.
A mother’s breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, containing just the right amount of fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. With formula, babies can have allergic reactions to one or more of the ingredients. Although formula tries to mimic breast milk’s nutritional content as closely as possible, it still contains synthetic ingredients and chemicals that are simply not as good for your baby’s health.
Breastfeeding is also very healthy for the mother. Women who breastfeed lose their weight from the pregnancy much faster, and have a reduced chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer down the road.
So why doesn’t every woman breastfeed? Some women are simply incapable of producing enough milk to adequately nourish the baby, so their attempts at breastfeeding fail. Others are afraid or ?grossed out? by breastfeeding, or are pressured by their husbands to use formula instead. Unfortunately, sometimes society does not always foster a welcoming attitude towards breastfeeding, so women feel pressured to go the ?normal? route and use formula.
One thing to keep in mind when you make your decision is whether or not you will be working regularly during the early months of your child’s life. If so, it will be more difficult to maintain an adequate supply of milk. However, using a breast pump while you are at work is a viable option that works out for many women.
Whatever your decision, always try to keep your baby’s best interest at heart. What may seem weird or inconvenient to you might make a huge difference in your baby’s health and development.
Posted by Janice Washington
Visit Large Plush Animals
Babies who are breastfed have been proven to be much healthier. Their immune system is stronger, they maintain a healthy weight, and they even show increases in brain power and learning capacity. Breastfeeding also allows mother and baby to enjoy a certain intimacy that helps nurture a feeling of warmth and love. Many feel that breastfeeding has a positive psychological effect on a child.
A mother’s breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, containing just the right amount of fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. With formula, babies can have allergic reactions to one or more of the ingredients. Although formula tries to mimic breast milk’s nutritional content as closely as possible, it still contains synthetic ingredients and chemicals that are simply not as good for your baby’s health.
Breastfeeding is also very healthy for the mother. Women who breastfeed lose their weight from the pregnancy much faster, and have a reduced chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer down the road.
So why doesn’t every woman breastfeed? Some women are simply incapable of producing enough milk to adequately nourish the baby, so their attempts at breastfeeding fail. Others are afraid or ?grossed out? by breastfeeding, or are pressured by their husbands to use formula instead. Unfortunately, sometimes society does not always foster a welcoming attitude towards breastfeeding, so women feel pressured to go the ?normal? route and use formula.
One thing to keep in mind when you make your decision is whether or not you will be working regularly during the early months of your child’s life. If so, it will be more difficult to maintain an adequate supply of milk. However, using a breast pump while you are at work is a viable option that works out for many women.
Whatever your decision, always try to keep your baby’s best interest at heart. What may seem weird or inconvenient to you might make a huge difference in your baby’s health and development.
Posted by Janice Washington
Visit Large Plush Animals
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