Introducing Liberty in Feeding Babies: No Stigma Attached
After eighteen years of failed in vitro fertilization trials1 and ineffective fertility drugs, my aunt had built up a wall against the taunts of a society that measures individual success based on one’s ability to reproduce. When my aunt did give birth to a healthy baby boy, she was forced to battle a new wave of criticism. She had difficulty producing an adequate amount of breast milk and soon after her delivery, she came down with the flu. Worried that she might get the baby sick, my aunt decided not to breast feed until she was better. Unfortunately, taking a break meant she lost her ability to breast feed completely. During this period, she was troubled by all of the elderly women in our extended family who demanded to know why she would not breastfeed, criticized her for her inability to produce milk, and failed to understand her reasoning.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life and preferably up to twelve months or however long both the mother and baby are willing. Breast milk provides babies with protection against multiple diseases, healthier growth and digestion, and closer relationships; however, in some cases, breastfeeding is not an option for young mothers. Under such circumstances, women should be educated on infant formulas and alternative methods of feeding so they can make informed decisions for their babies.
Breast milk matches a baby’s needs and growth patterns better than any formula substitute. A mother tends to produce just enough milk to fill her baby’s stomach, so she does not need to worry about underfeeding or overfeeding. Furthermore, the milk’s content changes as the ...
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...ugh nutrients for the baby until the mother is capable of producing enough milk herself. Mothers who are incapable of breastfeeding completely can take measures to make sure their formulas are FDA-approved and contain all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Formulas available on the market differ in their quality and content. Often milk-based formulas prove to be a healthier option than completely artificial powder. This type of information should be made available to all expecting mothers, so they can choose which feeding method is best for their child before they are forced to make a coin toss in choosing a formula brand. We should educate young women on alternate forms of feeding and the benefits and downfalls of each by actively distributing brochures in gynecologists’ office, offering classes to expecting mothers, and endorsing nonprofit television programs.
Throughout history there has been a need for alternative feeding methods for infants. Whether because of an issue with the mother’s milk supply or because of death of the mother, there have always been children that required the use of something other than their own mother’s milk. In more recent history, alternative feeding has also been used as a convenience. Prior to the development of infant formula in 1865, animal milk and wet nurses were used to accomplish the feeding of orphaned infants or others whose mothers could not, or chose not to, breast feed. Between 1950 and 1970 the breast feeding rate fell dramatically. Some studies suggest that more that 75 percent of American infants born during that time were formula fed. As the rates of diabetes, obesity and other health issues continue to increase researchers are looking at how individuals are feeding their infants and what effects the large amounts of high calorie “breast-milk substitute” may be having. Infant formula is being considered as one of the contributors to the growing health crisis in America. American mothers may be inadvertently predisposing their children to a lifetime of health issues by choosing not to breast feed.
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.
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?
3) Breast milk has long term health benefits for your baby. The positive effects of breastfeeding last well beyond babyhood. Studies show that babies breastfed for the first six months are 43% less likely to become obese as children, if breastfed for more then 1 year they are 72% less likely to be overweight. Breastfeed babies have a lower risk of HTN later in life, they also have a lower risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea later in life. Breastfeed babies also have an average of 8 to 10 IQ points higher then bottle-fed babies. Finally breastfed babies have a lower incidence of SID’s
All mothers want what is best for their children, and while health care professionals encourage breastfeeding as the natural feeding choice, many mothers still choose to feed their babies with artificial milk. The 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card states that only 19% of women nationwide were exclusively breastfeeding their babies at 6 months of age. While 2-5% of women physically cannot breastfeed, this leaves around 80% of women who have made the choice to feed their infant artificially (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). These astounding rates could be because mothers are not fully aware of the benefits of breastfeeding along with the harm of choosing formula.
The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends mothers breastfed their baby for one year. This provides the baby with the best nutrition and antibodies, protecting them against infections and colds. Breast milk is one of the first foods that babies ingest. Breast milk is easy to digest, and it has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein. Studies show when mothers breastfeed it can lower the risk of babies having type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma, and becoming obese (Goldman). Breastfeeding is
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...
Through the years there has been a debate about whether babies should be fed exclusively on breastfeeding or not. One of the most difficult decisions for new mothers is to decide which diet to follow with her babies. Decisions include relying on the natural choices of breastfeeding or following the advice given by relatives, doctors, pediatricians and infant formula manufacturers. Controversies continue over the years. As many more mothers now want to nurse their babies, formula advocates claim that formula is equivalent to the real thing. Furthermore, supporters of supplemented infant formulas claim their products include the same elements present in mother’s milk plus and even will improve babies’ vision and cognitive behavior. This review aims to expose the benefits of breast milk over formula even for babies with special nutritional requirements.
My mom always told me breastfeeding was the best for my baby even though it wasn't the easiest thing in the world and adjusting was even harder. Breast milk can benefit your baby in so many ways, giving my baby the proper nutrients he needed to help with his growth and development. Crazy how are bodies can provided so much for a baby. The antibodies that is found in breast milk helps build a strong immune system, so any cold I have ever had made my son immune to it preventing him from getting sick so easily. My breast milk was far better for my son than formula. All women may not be able to breastfeed or even by choice choose not to. Breast milk is all natura...
The arrival of a newborn baby brings out an innumerable amount of decision making. New parents often struggle with tough decisions about whether to use cloth or store-bought diapers, using a pacifier or not using pacifier, having the infant co-sleep with them or sleep in a crib. However, one of the most important and personal choices is how the baby will be nourished. There are only a few options in feeding a child at birth. New mothers have to make a decision between a formula based diet and breastfeeding. The benefits of breast milk over formula are abundant; they include health and financial benefits along with convenience. It is important for babies to be breastfed, as there are many great benefits that can be derived from it.
No formula can compete with the natural diet breast milk offers. Perfectly balanced amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates made especially for human babies. The whole process of pregnancy includes the production of milk for your baby. This is true of all mammals alike.
Hardly a topic has so much explosive as the Breastfeeding Discus-sion: Breastfeeding - yes or no? How long? What position? Or maybe the vial? No matter how we twist and turn, it always comes down to one thing - and that is the diet of the babies. While some swear on breastfeeding, others prefer the vial.
Also, according to Rossman (2007) in the United States, many new mothers do not have direct, personal awareness of breastfeeding. They also may find it hard to depend on family members for reliable, accurate information and direction about infant feeding (p. 631-633). However, even though many women have a general understanding of the benefits of
The Australian dietary guidelines for infants recommend exclusive breastfeeding of babies until they are six months old. The mother can introduce solids after the six months whiles still breastfeeding until twelve months. Breastfeeding can continue after the twelve months if mother and baby wishes. This advice is because of the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. These benefits include a good resistance to infection by the baby and reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer on the part of the mother. The child also forms a bond with the mother through breastfeeding
Breast feeding is very essential, especially in the first weeks, as it helps strengthen the baby’s immune system and ensures that the baby remains in good health. Additionally, breastfeeding also improves