Facts About Breast Feeding
Written by: Perry Nichols
Breast Feeding Recommended by Most Physicians
Most physicians and leading health organizations advise new mothers to breast feed their infants as opposed to bottle feeding. At least for the first six months of life, an infant should be exclusively breast fed, meaning no formula at all, with many doctors recommending breast feeding for the first 12 months.
Breast Milk Easier for Infants to Digest
Human breast milk is far easier for an infant to digest than baby formula, and also offers a healthy supply of nutrients that are essential for growth and development. Breast fed infants are generally healthier than their bottle fed counterparts, have fewer illnesses, and are also less affected by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breast feeding your baby may help protect against many illnesses and conditions including:
- Ear and respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Gastrointestinal difficulties
- Childhood diabetes
- Certain cancers such as leukemia
- Meningitis
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
Start Breast Feeding As Soon As Possible
The sooner you begin breast feeding after giving birth the better. Ideally, this would be within the first hour as this is the perfect time to bond with baby, and also gives you a chance to address any questions with your doctor or nurse. As many as a third of new mothers report having problems with breast feeding during the first few weeks, either because of difficulties getting the baby to nurse, or because of sore and tender breasts. Most of these concerns are temporary, however, if you're having trouble for some reason, it's best to consult with your own health care professional.
Breast Milk Has the Right Balance of Nutrients
Breast milk also provides the right balance of proteins, fats, sugars, and the majority of vitamins that baby will need. Antibodies are also passed from the mother through breast milk, helping protect against diseases and keeping the immune system functioning at its full potential. Unlike formula, breast milk actually changes with the growing baby's needs, containing more proteins in the first few weeks after birth, and then providing increasing amounts of fats and sugars.
Breast Feeding Can Enhance Brain Development
Breast feeding may also enhance an infant's brain development, as there are several studies suggesting that children who were breast fed score higher on cognitive abilities tests than children who were only fed formula.
Women Benefit from Breast Feeding
Many new mothers are surprised to learn that babies aren't the only ones who benefit so greatly from breast feeding. Women who breast feed are less likely to develop cancer of the ovaries or breast, and are also better protected from weak and brittle bones later on in life. Also, women who have breast fed their babies have an easier time returning to their pre-pregnancy weight.
Don't Forget the Financial Benefits
Breast feeding also has its financial perks, as breast milk is free as opposed to formula, and research shows that working mothers who breast feed miss less work because their babies are healthier. Also, fewer sick babies mean fewer insurance claims, also adding to the list of economic benefits.
In Some Cases Breast Feeding Isn't Advised
There are certain instances when breast feeding isn't advised, such as when the mother has health conditions including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), certain types of leukemia, and active tuberculosis. Women who use illegal drugs, drink alcohol, or who are receiving treatment for cancer also should not breast feed.
