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Research on breastfeeding
Compare and contrast breast feeding and bottle feeding
Compare and contrast breast feeding and bottle feeding
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Very few experts disagree with the fact that breastfeeding is the optimal choice for the infant. However, decreasing breastfeeding rates raise many questions as to why mothers are not choosing the best nutritional choice for their children. Despite breast milk being the obvious choice for infant feeding due to the health, psychological, and economic benefits, many mothers still decide to feed their infants formula due to lack of knowledge and support, difficulties with breastfeeding, and social embarrassment. Changes need to be made with formula companies, medical professionals, and the public opinion of breastfeeding in order to give nursing mothers the support they deserve.
The main factor in encouraging breastfeeding is the emphasis on the major health
benefits for both the mother and the child. Many researchers have concluded that breast milk helps improve overall infant health and reduces risks of some diseases and cancers for the infant as well as the mother. According to Newman and Pitman, there are numerous health benefits for a breastfed infant. They describe that breast milk contains anti-bodies that keep a child from getting ill, and that the milk’s composition changes as the child grows to better protect and benefit the immune system and growth of the child (Newman, Pitman 19). The most immediate health benefit for the infant is the reduction of the chances of an infant dying from sudden infant death syndrome, more commonly known as SIDS or crib death (Newman, Pitman 11). More long term benefits are reductions for the chances of a child developing diabetes, asthma and other respiratory diseases, ear infections, and even cancer development during childhood. There is also evidence of a reduced chance of a breastfed child developing Crohn’s disease or forms of heart disease, as well as minor health problems such as allergies and eczema (Newman, Pitman 11-12). Newman and Pitman also write that children who were breastfed show signs of more enhanced brain development and tend to score higher on tests than those children who were formula fed, due to the fact that breast milk is made for humans by humans and therefore already contains the nutrients that are essential to brain development (10). As is the case with infants, breastfeeding also contributes to health benefits for the mother. In an article published in the Journal of Women’s Health, God...
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Dorota Iwaniec, et al. "Breast Is Best? Reasons Why Mothers Decide To Breastfeed Or Bottlefeed Their Babies And Factors Influencing The Duration Of Breastfeeding." Child Care In Practice 12.3 (2006): 283-297. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Jan. 2013.
Foss, Katherine A., and Brian G. Southwell. "Infant Feeding And The Media: The Relationship Between Parents' Magazine Content And Breastfeeding, 1972-2000." International Breastfeeding Journal 1.(2006): 1-9. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
Godfrey, Jodi R., and Ruth A. Lawrence. "Toward Optimal Health: The Maternal Benefits Of Breastfeeding." Journal Of Women's Health (15409996) 19.9 (2010): 15971602. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Jan. 2013.
Newman, Jack and Teresa Pitman. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Washington: GPO, 2011. Print.
Weimer, John P. United States. Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service. The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Review and Analysis. Washington: 2010. Web. 27 Jan. 2013.
Swanson, D., and Johnston, D. "A Content Analysis of Motherhood Ideologies and Myths in Magazines." Invisible Mothers. New York: Plenum Publishing Corporation, 2003. 21-31.
Constantly having a baby tug and pull at your nipple throughout the day may not be the most comfortable feeling a mother would look forward to. The soreness and difficulty makes new mothers ponder over the decision to use infant formula instead of breastfeeding. With thoughts of convenience and comfort, mothers tend to forgo the nutrients in breastmilk and take on formulas instead. Using infant formula is a personal choice a mother is willing to make; however, studies have shown the greater benefits in breast milk for the child, the mother, and the family.
The biggest decision a new mother has to make is not what to name the baby nor is it which hospital to deliver at. The biggest decision to make is in fact whether she is going to breastfeed or formula feed. Many women choose to formula feed because they aren't very educated on breastfeeding or because they feel they can't due to the fact that they failed the first time or times that they tried to do so. If they were aware of all of the benefits of breastfeeding, I feel that more mothers would breastfeed rather than formula feed. Three benefits of breastfeeding are that it is healthy for both mom and baby, it builds a stronger bond, and it is more convenient. If more information is given to new mothers, it would help them make the best
Breastfeeding is when a woman feeds her child from her breast. Breastfeeding has been around since before the 15th century. In addition to strengthening the bond between a mother and her baby, breastfeeding offers a number of benefits for both a mother and her child. Babies who are breastfed have lower risk of meningitis, various cancers, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, childhood leukemia, allergies and obesity. Mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis. All mothers no matter where they are weather it be the mall, park, restaurant, or just out running errands need to have their right to breastfeed protected.
When you think of feeding your baby, you have two options: breast milk or formula. I’m sure when you think of breastfeeding, you think it’s hard and painful, but in truth it is not. It is easier and more beneficial than formula in many ways. Let’s first consider the cost. One very important thing for any mother to consider is finances. After all, your little bundle of joy is going to take a lot of money to raise till 18. Statistics show that breastfeeding in the first year can save you anywhere between 1,500 to 3,000 dollars on formula. That’s one semester at a community college! A recent study by the USDA concluded that 3.6 billion dollars in medical costs could be saved if the current rate of children exclusively breastfed was raised to the recommendations of the Surgeon General. This study is a bare minimum of what could be saved. It is assumed that the actual savings is a lot higher since this study only conducted reports on 3 childhood illnesses. Since breastfeeding provides your baby with immune protection, you could potentially save thousands on medical bills, and you cannot forget all the over the counter meds you could spare.
There many advantages to breastfeeding! Research shows that breastfed infants have fewer and shorter episodes of illness. The nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits the baby’s IQ. The skin-to-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding offers babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding. Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension for the infant later in life. Breastfeeding delays the onset of hereditary allergic disease, and lowers the risk of developing allergic disease. Breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system mature, protecting the baby in the meantime from viral, bacteria, and parasitic infections. Breastfeeding protects against developing chronic diseases such as: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and childhood cancers. (Shinskie and Lauwers, 2002)
According to the American Dietetic Association, “exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of life and breastfeeding with complementary foods from 6 months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.”1 Breastfeeding has many benefits to mother and baby.1 Infant and children mobility and mortality are greatly improved due to the promotion of breastfeeding as an important health strategy.1 The promotion of breastfeeding as a health strategy also works to improve maternal mortalities and reduce overall healthcare costs.1 Breastfeeding for the duration of the first year significantly improves an infant’s overall health and chances of survival.1 Benefits of breastfeeding span from improving family dynamic and maternal health to reducing health care costs and decreasing the impact on the environment.1 Breast milk is unique in that is perfectly tailored to meet and infants need and provide optimal nutrition.1 As experts within the field of nutrition Registered Dietitians should promote and support breastfeeding for its benefits to both mother and baby.1
Mulder, P. J. (2006,). A concept analysis of effective breastfeeding. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 35, 332-339. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2006.00050.x
Breastfeeding is a highly debated topic amongst mothers across the world. Every mother has the choice to breastfeed or bottle fed their infant. Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion and choice, it is scientifically proven that breast milk is more beneficial for the infant’s health and development and the mother. Breast milk contains extremely beneficial vitamins and nutrients and also has the ability to change according to the infant’s growth and development. Formula companies try to mock breast milk to the best they can, although it cannot be completely composed the same. “Breastfeeding offers immunological and allergy protection to the infant, is economical and convenient as it is always fresh and the right temperature, and provides a great opportunity for the mother and infant to bond” (p. 1052, Potter & Perry, 2011). Research has proven that breast milk is the most
Breastfeeding rates are continually increasing. The nutritional benefit of breast over formula is a long established fact. “According to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastfeeding rates improved nationwide in 2000-2008, and some of the greatest improvement was among black women. However, only about 59 percent of black mothers breastfed in 2008, compared to 80 percent of Hispanic mothers and about 75 percent of white mothers. For 2008 rates of breastfeeding at a baby’s first birthday, the number was about 23 percent overall but only 12.5 percent for black mothers. That low rate still marks a near doubling of rates among black mothers compared to the year 2000” (Currie, 2013).It is the recommended method of feeding an infant for at least the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has benefits to both mothers and their babies. The baby receives immunity to protect it from disease. Financially, breastfeeding can significantly reduce the burden of having a new child. Many mothers initiate breastfeeding in the hospital; however, the number of women who breastfeed until six months is very low (Guyer, Millward, & Berger, 2012). Breastfeeding is highly favored over bottle feeding. Yet, mothers still do not choose to continually breastfeed their infants. Do mothers who breastfeed during hospitalization have limitations or no desire to continue versus mothers who breastfeed for the recommended six months or longer at home?
What are the benefits of breastfeeding, you might be wondering? Well for starters breast milk is very crucial for a newborn. Not only does it feed and
Breastfeeding is a nonsexual and nurturing bond between a mother and her child and not the business of anyone else. As a society, we must offer protection for these vulnerable and cherishing mothers and create a welcoming and comfortable climate for them to feel empowered. Let’s put an end to this mother of all battles. Thank
Rear Admiral Galson, S. K. (July 2008). Mothers and Children Benefit from Breastfeeding. American Dietic Association Vol 108 Issue 7 , p 1106.
Human Breast Milk is touted as the perfected food for infants. There is extreme pressure placed on new mothers to nurse or feed expressed breast milk (EB) elusively for the first six months of life. The extreme of this can be defined by a group called La Lache League International.
Breastfeeding provides a wide array of health benefits for both baby and mother, while simultaneously enhancing the bond between mom and her baby. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancer. Their babies see a boost in cognitive development, as well as lowering their chances of being obese as adults, unlike formula fed babies. Consequently, a lower risk of obesity correlates to a lower incident of a wide array of comorbidities such as