Persuasive Essay On Breast Feeding

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Breast-feeding is when the mother feeds her child with the milk from her breast. Breast-fed babies normally eat between 8-12 times in a 24 hour period (Lindsay 150). According to Stuhldreher, “Before the eighteenth century, human milk was the only source for infant feeding. If a mother did not breast-feed, a woman called a wet nurse fed her baby” (Stuhldreher, Par.19). Starting in the nineteenth century a new mother was able to decide whether she wanted to breast-feed or feed her baby formula milk. If a mother is able to breast-feed, she should do so for the sake of her child and herself. Many studies show that breast-feeding is beneficial to both the mother and the child in many ways (Stuebe 156). Breast-feeding is an essential step for ensuring good health for the mother and her child. Many organizations such as The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends breast-feeding for at least the first six months of the baby’s life (Stuebe 155). The World Health Organization, The US Department of Health and Human Services, and Healthy People 2010 also promotes breast-feeding for at least the first six months of the baby’s life (Belfield 251). The American Academy of Pediatrics believe that babies should be breast-fed for at least the first year of life and then as desirable after the first year (Steinkraus, Par.5). As Deoni, an assistant professor at Brown University, said, “I think I would argue that combined with all other evidence, it seems like breast-feeding is absolutely beneficial” (Stacy, Par.13). According to a study that used brain images from MRI machines, a baby who was only breast-fed had better brain development than a baby who was both breast-fed and formula fed. Breast-feeding and formula combined is better than... ... middle of paper ... ...he mothers who are capable to do so should at least try it for the baby’s well-being. Breast-feeding benefits the mother and child in many ways such as weight loss for the mother and the right supply of nutrients for the child. The mother can also reduce the likelihood of her developing cancer and diabetes. The child can gain a better immune system and will do better in academics. It creates a loving and supportive bond between the mother and child. Immune system, brain function, socialization, and overall long-term health is stabilized throughout the breast-feeding period (Godfrey 1307). Many organizations promote breastfeeding for atleast the first six months of the baby’s life and many studies show the increase in brain development and skills that breast-fed babies develop and formula fed babies lack. All mothers should breast-feed if she is capable of doing so.

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