Effects Of Breastfeeding On Children And Mothers

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has numerous benefits for mother and baby, including reducing the risk of common childhood infections. The protective antibodies found in breast milk helps to combat common infections that often leads to missed days from work and translates into lost productivity. In addition, breastfeeding has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of obesity in breastfed children verse children that were not breastfed. Breastfeeding also helps to

Since the beginning of time women have breast fed their infants. Although modern science has developed infant formula, doctors and nurses still recommend women feed their infants breast milk. Breastfeeding increases bonding time between mother and baby and decreases cancer in women. It is hypothesized that breast milk significantly improves babies health and cognitive functioning. Breast feeding is frequently researched and there are multiple sources that cite its benefits.

Every year, approximately 4 million babies are born in the United States. This means that every year, approximately 8 million breasts are swollen with Mother Nature's own ambrosia, ready to start our children down the path to a healthy and well-adjusted life. Having a child is the most natural thing in the world to most women. Breast feeding is the the most healthy food for a newborn child. It prevents a wide range of illnesses as well as helps the mother feel better after birth. So why not breastfeed your new born? Although many people believe that breast feeding puts undue stress on a new mother, ultimately, as a mother, you will be responsible for every single feeding that your child experiences. Sure, it is true that you can pump the

Breastfeeding provides unique nutrients for the baby, protects from disease, has health benefits for the mother, and provides a unique bond between mother and baby.

This paper will explain the benefits of breastfeeding and how it plays an extreme role in the long-term health of a child not only in the early stages of life but also into adulthood and how we as nurses can help promote this mode of nutrition.

Keep an open mind about how your breastfeeding experience will be. Avoid setting rigid expectations for yourself. Your needs and your nursing child's needs are likely to change as your pregnancy progresses.

Everyday about 353,000 babies are born and there are about 255 babies born globally per minute according to Babycenter.com . Once a baby enters the world they instantly need love, care, and nurturing. Studies show that babies need love and care from their mother figure in order to survive. One way mothers show their love and care towards their brand new baby is to nurture them. This can be done by the natural way of breastfeeding or by baby formula. Both are very common here in the United States. Some women say they prefer breastfeeding over formula because it not only helps the baby but also helps

There are many benefits for the mother that come with breastfeeding as well, not just the baby. Breastfeeding releases good hormones, such as Oxytocin and Prolactin, which make you feel a strong sense of love and attachment to the baby, and help you relax to focus on caring for it.

There has been many different studies providing information on the effectiveness of women who breastfeed. Different tests have shown evidence that breastfeeding as a mother is very beneficial to their body. La Leche League International states that “It is now becoming clear that breastfeeding provides mothers with more than just short-term benefits in the early period after birth.A number of studies have shown other potential health advantages that mothers can enjoy through breastfeeding. These include optimal metabolic profiles, reduced risk of various cancers, and psychological benefits” (La Leche…). Women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing a serious disease or condition. Breastfeeding helps decrease the risk of cancer for the mother while taking care of the child. It is more likely for women who have not breastfed to develop type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease later on in their life (American Academy of…).This study proves the effectiveness breastfeeding has on women and their health. There has been research that studies the physiological effectiveness of breastfeeding as well. The Nemours Foundation states that “The ability to totally nourish a baby can help a new mother feel confident in her ability to care for her baby. Breastfeeding also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus,

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mentioned the possible advantageous outcomes associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Prominently, health benefits for the infant and the mother serve as leading objective in breastfeeding argument. Although the correlations can be negligible, biomedical researchers consistently found that breast milk decreases gastrointestinal illness because of protective antibiotics that are passed from mother to infant. At the same time, exclusive breastfeeding not only lowers the chances of infections appeared in childhood such as diarrhea and ear infections, but also chronic diseases such as childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. An equally significant aspect of breastfeeding benefits is the psychological effect on mothers. Since breastfeeding initiates a strong connection with the child, mothers often do not experience postpartum depression compared to mothers who breastfeed for a short period of time or who do not breastfeed at all.

Breastfeeding benefits newborns by providing antibodies to fight virus and bacteria. Additionally, prevents the cost of buying formula. I observed an increase in mothers’ breastfeeding babies; however, I do not agree with mothers breastfeeding babies in openly public areas. With the aid of politician funding breastfeeding programs, there could be a possible increase in mothers’ breastfeeding. Hopefully, breastfeeding statistics results will show a decrease in newborn mortality rate. My employer is considerate and allows working mothers to have the time needed to pump breast milk.

The health benefits to support breastfeeding are undeniable, countless evidence has been brought forth that substantiate the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child. John J Reilly, PhD, published his findings on how breastfeeding can be linked with lowering the risk of childhood obesity. He conducted his study on children between the ages of three and four, and defined obesity using body mass index. The findings suggested that the presence of obesity was significantly lower among children who had been breastfed (Armstrong & Reilly, 2004). While the benefits gained by the mother as a result of breastfeeding are not as well-known as that of the infant, Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester

A lot of new parents might question what is breast milk made of that make it so healthy ? or how do breastfeeding work ? Research says that “the nipple covering the skin contains many nerves that trigger the baby’s sucking. That cause the mother's hormones to release in her bloodstream this cause the hormone prolactin to act on milk making tissue which start the milk supply.” While that is happening another hormone called oxytocin is working causing the breast to push out the milk thats already there, this is called a let down relax. Research says “The more often your baby’s sucking causes a let-down and the more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk will be made.” A well drained breast ensures more milk is made

There is a wide array of benefits as a result of breastfeeding that specifically help a child survive and develop from the time they are born and throughout all stages of life. The more recognized and examined benefits during infancy and toddlerhood include, but are not limited to, increased intelligence, decreased risk of getting ear infections, lowered risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome, better resistance to common illnesses and allergies (stronger immune system), lower risk for childhood onset diabetes, lower risk for asthma and eczema, increased cognitive development, higher IQ, and increased social maturity.

Looking at Women’s Health.gov, when breastfeeding, a hormone called oxytocin is released. Oxytocin aids in shrinking down the uterus to pre pregnancy size and it also reduces uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers a woman’s risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It can even reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and it lessens the severity of postpartum depression.