The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Since the invention of formula mothers have had trouble deciding how best to go about feeding their children. Each mother has their own preferred feeding technique, some of whom chose to use more than one feeding method depending on the situation. For some mothers breastfeeding is not a viable option for reasons such as lactation issues, busy schedules, and secondary caregivers (Mezzacappa, Elizabeth Sibolboro, and Edward S. Katkin.). Breast feeding does cost you a little bit of extra time and isn’t very practical for mothers on the move, however when you examine the health risks that come with not breast feeding your child, it is totally worth it. Notably breastfeeding has been shown to benefit the mother and child through its natural ability to aide in the mother’s mental stability, its health giving properties, its superior nutrient content compared to formula, and its accessibility.
Though breastfeeding is undoubtedly the optimum feeding method, it is not necessarily a possibility for some mothers (The Nemours Foundation). For example, couples who choose to adopt children are obviously not able to breastfeed their child because the mother is not lactating. Other mothers just simply do not have the time to breastfeed their children because they are busy running errands (Mezzacappa, Elizabeth Sibolboro, and Edward S. Katkin.). Another reason some mothers do not breastfeed is that they are using a babysitter so they need the babysitter to have some way to feed the child (Mezzacappa, Elizabeth Sibolboro, and Edward S. Katkin.). The reasons behind bottle feeding are definitely sound, but they only prove that bottle feeding is an alternative method, not a replacement for breastfeeding. Th...
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...ar more cost effective than bottle feeding (American Pregnancy Association). The cost of formula alone can range from $54 to $198 per month, in addition to the cost of bottles and other feeding accessories (American Pregnancy Association).
To say nothing of a mother’s own personal preference in feeding technique breastfeeding is clearly the healthier and most beneficial option for mother and child. The positives of breastfeeding are astounding with its healthy traits not just for the child, but the mother as well (The Nemours Foundation). There is also the psychological stability and confidence that breastfeeding provides the mother with (Mezzacappa, Elizabeth Sibolboro, and Edward S. Katkin.). Not to mention its portability and cost free status (American Pregnancy Association). Overall, breastfeeding is the most effective option for mothers to feed their children.
Well firstly you can breastfeed anywhere you are and the milk is always at the right temperature unlike formula milk. In which you have to measure the amount of milk powder and water and heat it up at a certain temperature, at that makes it hard to handle especially if you’re out in a public place away from the heating device. Now the cons of breastfeeding is that the mother can only feed the baby unlike bottle feeding in which anyone can feed the baby. If the mother is absent and has to go somewhere she must pump milk and leave it prepared so whoever is taking care of the baby is able to simply heat the milk and feed the baby. Now the cons of milk formula, if you bottle feed your child you will always have to carry around with you the bottle and the formula milk and water and be mixing it, after that you will have to heat it wherever you can. You can imagine it as your super kit! In which you carry the size of the bottle that is well suited for your child’s needs. One of the main pros in bottle feeding is that mothers are able to go to work and not worry about their child not accepting the formula. Since most women work, breastfeeding is not an option for them and that is why bottle feeding is ideal for a working
When mothers give birth, they have a decision to make. New mothers must decide whether to breastfeed or to formula feed. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and baby. Some mothers may not have the choice to breastfeed, so they choose to formula feed. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding has been a big issue throughout modern time, with new mothers debating which one is better. Breastfeeding is best for the growth and development of a baby.
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.
People tend to find other ways to feed the new born babies other then breastfeeding. That way is the usage of baby formulas. Sometimes mother tend to use formulas instead of breast milk. Below are some of the reasons why a mother may choose to feed her baby with a formula:
Not only is breastfeeding your child less expensive than formula, it is also the most beneficial method for them. The mother’s breast milk is the healthiest form of milk for all babies (Begum 27).
The advantages with bottle feeding can be share responsibility on the night feeding, this would appeal to mums, as the baby wouldn’t be attached to them at all times. Also feeding allows fathers to share the fed and helps the bonding between father and baby (Murkoff, 2008). The women would also feel she had more freedom if she bottle-fed; she would not need to worry about her diet. Babies will sleep for longer when formula is used (NHS, 2010).Bottle feeding is easier for baby to get started on than breastfeeding. In addition, for women who feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding there is no public display, when bo...
What could possibly be wrong about a mother nourishing her child? Absolutely nothing. Many people view a woman's breasts as sexual items. The main purpose of breasts Is to breastfeed a child after birth. I came across The Milk Truck while back. The Milk Truck is there “to create a mobile breastfeeding unit that allows mothers to feed their babies in places where they have been discouraged - restaurants, shopping malls, public spaces, etc. Babies should be able to eat anywhere, and everywhere". I am absolutely for breastfeeding in public.
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)
Breast feeding has been in practice for a very long time, as early as 2000 BC. Before the invention of formula, bottles, and pumps this was the safest most common way for a mother to feed their infants. In fact, for 99% of human history breast milk was the sole source of nutrition for children until the age of two. In today’s society there are many different and opposing personal stand points on where or not a mother should breast feed their children. It is a very controversial topic with many variables. In breast feeding there are several benefits, reasons, and cultural effects that go into making the decision to engage or stay away from breast feeding. There is also historical causes and cultural differences that lead influence a mothers choice to engage in breast feeding.
Breastfeeding is an efficient way to save money and time. It’s easier for mothers to breastfeed because breastfeeding is free and doesn 't rely on buying bottles and formula to mix every week. The average cost of formula for a month is between $49.50 to $99.00. In a year, families could end up spending anywhere between $594 to $1188 a year. So by breastfeeding, families can expect to save money. Breast milk also contains nutrients that formula milk can’t duplicate or recreate. Studies have shown that breast milk contains more nutrients than formula milk. This is due to the fact that formula milk is created from animals such as goats and cows. Another advantage of breastfeeding is the convenient it provides to busy mothers. Mothers can feed their children anywhere at any given moment without having to worry about having enough milk for the baby. Whether you 're in a car or a friends house, you could always rely and depend on breast milk. As a result, babies are feed faster and parents can avoid the stress and hassle of trying to prepare milk while their babies are
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?
To summarize both breast feeding and bottle feeding have their advantages and disadvantages but both have the intention to be able to nourish an infant the best way possible for mother and baby. Of course no matter where you go or what doctor you ask they will say breastfeeding is best. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding an infant. Everyone has their own opinion for each but which ever method the mother chooses she will face criticism from a mother that breastfeeds. Unfortunately having financial hardship, going back to work, or convenience play a role in the mothers decision of how she will nourish her infant.
Rear Admiral Galson, S. K. (July 2008). Mothers and Children Benefit from Breastfeeding. American Dietic Association Vol 108 Issue 7 , p 1106.
With the arrival of a newborn, parents are immediately faced with myriad of decisions. Should they use cloth or store-bought diapers, co-sleeping or a crib, and what parent gets what shift during the night are just a few. However, one of the most important and more personal choices is between a formula based diet or breastfeeding for their baby to receive his or her required nourishment. It has been proven time and time again that the benefits of breast milk over formula are numerous: they include health, emotional, mental, and financial benefits with the convenience of non-preparation. Breastfeeding is not only the most natural way to provide nutrition for a baby it’s also the most complete way. These benefits do not only benefit the baby, but they benefit the mother as well.
Mother is considering breast feeding as an option, but is unsure of methods and benefits in comparison to bottle feeding. Is unsure about herself and whether or not she will be able to perform necessary tasks required to breast feed successfully.