Breast Feeding

Breast feeding your baby is the best protective measure you as a mom can do in providing nutritive antibodies to protect your baby from bacteria and viruses.  Studies show that babies who are not breastfed for at least a six-month period of time are more likely to contract any number of infectious diseases including respiratory illnesses, ear infections, diarrhea, and require hospitalization more often than babies who are provided the benefit of breast feeding. 

In addition, there is at least a 21% higher post-neonatal infant mortality rate among infants not breastfed in America.  This number alone should convince mothers of the importance of learning more about breastfeeding, proper techniques, and the numerous benefits of this practice.  The World Health Organization issues recommendations on not only the safety and benefits of breastfeeding, but also details the proper length of time to breast feed an infant is exclusively for six months and up to two years. 

Nature’s design provides wondrous benefits for breastfed babies and their moms.  Not only does a mother’s milk contain the most complete form of nutritional values for infants, but also a mother’s milk is also easier to digest than formula.  Weight is appropriately proportionate for the child as they grow, which may prevent problems with weight issues later in life as well.  Higher IQ test results have been reported for some breastfed babies.  Breastfeeding includes benefits for mothers also.  Breast cancers and ovarian cancers are at a lower risk of occurring when the cycle of feeding by breast is enacted.  Breastfeeding helps contract the uterus, which eliminates excess weight gain.  There are only a few circumstances when a mother should not breastfeed her child.

• If the mother is HIV positive
• If the mother has tuberculosis
• If the mother is using illegal drugs
• If the mother is taking over-the-counter or prescription medications

For mothers, the practice of breastfeeding allows the release of several important hormones: oxytocin and prolactin.  Both hormones allow and encourage the mother’s uterus to contract following birth, but more importantly, these two hormones promote motherly bond between the mother and her newborn child.  A very important benefit is that breastfeeding provides mother and baby the opportunity to experience a uniquely special form of bonding, and this is priceless, as this sets the stage for the rest of your lives together!