Breastfeeding is a personal decision. Speaking from personal experience breastfeeding requires many sacrifices from the mother. Just to name a few the mothers has to watch what she eats. She is the only one that can feed the baby, so dad taking the night shift is out of the question. However, many mothers are making the decision to breast feed because of the benefits it offers, not just for the baby but for the mother as well.
Some of the benefits for the baby are “ideal nutrition for infants. It has the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything your infant needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria” (WebMD, 2013). This is just a few benefits for the baby.
Benefits for the mother are “burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may also lower your risk of osteoporosis” (WebMD, 2013). All these are wonderful benefits for both mother and child the one benefit that I still have is the bond that was formed between me and my children.
Breastfeeding in other countries….
The percentage of women in Africa breastfeed is over 50%. The children are breast fed until they are 28 months. However, the threat of AIDS has hindered the children from being breast fed because the virus can spread to the child though the mother’s milk.
References
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11943640
WebMed Your guide to breastfeeding
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI also chose to discuss breastfeeding. I think that it can be very beneficial for both mother and baby, but as you said, I also see it as a personal decision. There are so many women who look down on other women because of the choice they make, whether it is to breast feed or not breast feed. I feel that women should be supporting each other no matter what! It can be a very tough decision because it is definitely is time consuming. However, if a woman decides that it is best for her and her baby, then the time is worth it. I think that it is logical that breastfeeding in Africa is over 50%. A lot of areas there are poor and may not be able to get a hold of formula so it is great that they can still feed their baby in this healthy way. That is too bad that AIDS is making this practice dangerous. I hope one day they can feed their babies without worrying about this threat.
Thank you for sharing that information. I really enjoyed your comment about dad being unable to take the night shift. I have not had children yet, but I have many friends at the moment who have young ones or who are pregnant and every single one of them is or is going to be breastfeeding. There are so many benefits for the infant and mom that to me it is a no-brainer as to what I am going to choose as a mom.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI wrote about breastfeeding as well. What I found very very interesting was that, according to a survey by Save the Children, the US ranked last (LAST) on the breastfeeding policy scorecard. It measured... "Rankings are based on maternity leave laws, right to daily nursing breaks, percentage of hospitals that are baby friendly, state of policy support for the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and breastfeeding practices". Norway was number 1, and their policies really made me envious, I wish we had that much support.
Anyway, I too enjoyed your comment about dad not being able to take the night shift.lol ;)
Hi Sandra! Great Information about breastfeeding! I also think that it is a personal decision whether to breastfeed or not. I tried to breastfeed both of my children but neither of them would latch on so I didn't try anymore.I received some flack because people say that I didn't try hard enough. I say that is their opinion! I also like the fact that my husband had an opportunity to take the "night shift"! LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea breastfeeding also benefited the mother. Breastfeeding is definitely a personal choice and has become less controversial over the years. The nutrients packed in the breast milk is beneficial for a babies health and development. This was great information to learn from, thank you for sharing.
Hi Sandra
ReplyDeleteWhen reading the first sentence of your blog made me think. It never dawned on me that breastfeeding is a personal choice/ option for mothers. I am highly surprised that I had never viewed it from this perspective sadly I might say. I guess I have had they view as I wrote in my blog that there were the cons and the pros. The number one con I came up with was that all mothers are not able to do so. Granted I know mothers who have said they just did not want to try it or just said they were not going to flat out. However I use my platform as an Early Childhood Advocate to educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding to new mothers. Although hoping that the adjustment it takes for the mother is not too much of an inconvenience for her to handle. I would have assumed that countries abroad would have at least a 70% or higher rate for breastfeeding.