| Breastfeeding |
| Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your growing baby. It cannot be matched because it is a living, biological fluid and changes to meet baby's needs. Breastmilk contains antibodies which helps boost babys immunity against many common gastrointestinal, respiratory, and ear infections. Exclusive breastfeeding can provide protection against allergies, asthma, and eczema. Breastmilk contains DHA (docosohexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid) which contributes to brain and retinal development. Human milk may protect your baby from developing type 1 diabetes and leukemia, and even boost intelligence. But there's more than just health benefits to breastfeeding. It promotes a strong emotional bond with your child and you become a source of comfort. Many breastfeeding mothers say they feel more in tune with their child and are able to pick up on babies signals quickly when they are hungry, tired, wet, thus tending to their needs quicker. Breastfeeding benefits mom as well. It causes contractions of the uterus that help protect the mother from postpartum hemorrhage and helps with weight loss. Exclusively nursing delays ovulation and the return of menstruation, making it a fairly effective method of birth control. It is also believed that breastfeeding may reduce a mothers risk of having postpartum depression, developing certain types of cancer and protect against osteoporosis later in life. |
| Even with so many sites, professionals and organizations to help out, many people still choose not to breastfeed. This may be due to a lack of education on their part or their health care providers, physical reasons, or fear of the "horror stories" they hear. While there are potential problems of breastfeeding, they are not as common as most people believe. More is usually heard of it being "time consuming" and developing cracked nipples, engorgement, and "insufficient milk", not many people hear of the uncomplicated experiences many women have for a year or more breastfeeding their childern. Breastfeeding can be a simple, relaxing, and joyful experience for both mother and baby. |
| With all the benefits that breastfeeding gives, it's easy to see why breast is best! |
| La Leche League USA promotes the importance of breatfeeding & helps women through mother-to-mother suport, education, information and encouragement |
| Kellymom.com provides many articles & information on breastfeeding |
