I've had several people ask me whether or not I plan to breast feed, and for good reason according to the research i've done. So, why is it so beneficial and important? Well, I think the number one reason is the countless advantages with regards to the baby's health.
Breast milk is not only highly concentrated in nutrients and antibodies, but its' tailored to the baby's needs. Cells, hormones and antibodies carried through breast milk helps build baby's immune system and fend off illness. It's also easier to digest. To add to the list, breast milk has been shown to fight off SIDS, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and lower respiratory infections. Also, you can check out the first link below for information about breastfeeding being linked to higher IQ.
As if those reasons aren't enough to motivate me, there are actually added benefits to the mother too! Initial amazing benefits are hormones produced by breastfeeding that help quickly reduce the size of the uterus. The mother can also burn up to 500 calories per day breastfeeding... ( I don't even reach that doing my 45 minute gym sessions). It's linked to lower risk of diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. Added bonus- It saves money! You wouldn't believe how much formula can add up.
So, as natural as it is and as motivated as one may be, there are challenges to this feat. I will try to keep it PC and merely mention that they make creams and doctors for some of the issues mothers can encounter ;) Other than that, the most common problem is supply and latching issues.
I was most surprised to learn about latching issues. Apparently there is a science to positioning and holding that allows for a good latch. Sometimes latching issues can stem from what's called "nipple confusion", which is when the baby begins to refuse the nipple because she prefers a bottle. This happens because bottles give a constant flow of milk and she doesn't have to work as hard to get it. My understanding with this scenario is that patience and pumping are my best friends.
All that being said, I have a goal to keep at it for about six months. Some people might say this is too long or short, but I would say that it's just a goal for now. I have no idea what the demands of motherhood will be at this very moment in time, and have yet to even venture into breastfeeding. I will say that i've come up with this time frame because it seems to be the most practical and realistic time frame for me and my little family. Much of the research i've read also tends to indicate that six months is a good amount of time for which the baby to benefit from the above mentioned advantages.
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-who-were-breastfed-longer-have-higher-iqs-new-study-6C10787012
http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/breastfeeding-facts.html
http://americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/bflatch.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/common-challenges/index.html
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