Mother's Perceptions Of Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has numerous benefits for mother and baby, including reducing the risk of common childhood infection such as ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections in infants. The protective antibodies found in breast milk helps to combat common infections that often leads to missed days at 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 reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and osteoporosis in women that breastfeed. The current recommendation from the American Academy of

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

Kids are important to life and its existence, it is a natural thing. Our world must face all the moral that comes with it. This involve mothers to feed their babies through breastfeeding at any given time and at any place. The moment woman has a baby, she is faced with many decisions. One of the significant decision is whether to breastfeed her child. Almost everyone will suggest that breastfeeding has many benefits. These benefits are for the breastfeeding mothers, the babies, and for the economy.

Very few experts disagree with the fact that breastfeeding is the optimal choice for the infant. However, decreasing breastfeeding rates raise many questions as to why mothers are not choosing the best nutritional choice for their children. Despite breast milk being the obvious choice for infant feeding due to the health, psychological, and economic benefits, many mothers still decide to feed their infants formula due to lack of knowledge and support, difficulties with breastfeeding, and social embarrassment. Changes need to be made with formula companies, medical professionals, and the public opinion of breastfeeding in order to give nursing mothers the support they deserve.

In fact, it’s free. Components such as nursing pads, nursing bras, and breast pumps are not necessities and are completely optional. Therefore, no materials are required. Moms who choose not to obtain these particular items will save hundreds, (even thousands) of dollars each year. Nevertheless, formula feeding is highway robbery. Formula feeding requires materials such as bottles, nipples, and sterilizing bags which are fundamental in order to ensure that such materials are aseptic for the baby. KidsHealth voices that, “During the first year of life, the cost of basic formula can run about $1,500.00,” depending on the brand of formula (KidsHealth). Who wouldn’t mind having an extra $1,500.00 in their bank account? If that wasn’t enough, the United States Department of Agriculture states that “A minimum of $3.6 billion would be saved if breastfeeding were increased from current levels (64 percent in-hospital, 29 percent at 6 months) to those recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General (75 and 50 percent)” (USDA). Aware that breastfed infants are collecting antibodies and other healthy nutrients so they are less likely to become sick, formula fed infants are at jeopardy for developing illnesses. Frequent cases of illnesses can lead to recurring doctor visits. Moreover, [recurring doctor visits can lead to an abundance of co-pays and prescriptions] (KidsHealth). As a result, moms pay more when they formula feed.

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.

Whether to breastfeed or to formula feed is one of the many decisions parents have to make when caring for a newborn baby. The decision may seem simple in which parents base there decision on comfort, convenience and finance but little do most parents know the decision being made can have damaging long term effects than that of the present. There is plenty of research that state the significance of breastfeeding that go far beyond the extent of bonding between mother and newborn. Although, that too is important. Breast milk is known to contain antibodies which can help the newborn in developing a strong immune system which influence all the body systems. Research has shown that breast-milk can help prevent long term diseases such as

Breast-feeding is nutritionally, emotionally and physically superior for a mother and her child. “Human breast milk is not standard nor is it interchangeable with cow’s milk. It is a dynamic fluid that changes in composition to meet the needs of the baby as it grows” (“Giving your Baby... Diet.” par. #10). Breast milk contains growth factors and antibodies which stimulate the growing baby and protect it from illness such as diarrhea, ear infections, rashes, allergies, asthma, skin problems, pneumonia, respiratory illness and other serious illnesses. Breast-feeding also improves a baby’s chance of remaining healthy. These antibodies are not found in formula. They can not be sustained. Breast-fed babies are also neurodevelopmentally more

Breast feeding has been in practice for a very long time, as early as 2000 BC. Before the invention of formula, bottles, and pumps this was the safest most common way for a mother to feed their infants. In fact, for 99% of human history breast milk was the sole source of nutrition for children until the age of two. In today’s society there are many different and opposing personal stand points on where or not a mother should breast feed their children. It is a very controversial topic with many variables. In breast feeding there are several benefits, reasons, and cultural effects that go into making the decision to engage or stay away from breast feeding. There is also historical causes and cultural differences that lead influence a mothers

Researched Evidence that Identifies Benefits of Breastfeeding to the Child, the Mother, and the Entire Family

“Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers” Statement taken from the world health organization publication on the nutrition of exclusive breastfeeding.

Mothers should choose to breastfeed their children rather than using formula. The first reason this method should be chosen is because it keeps the baby healthy. Breastfeeding helps fight against infections, prevents allergies, and protects against several other chronic conditions. Babies that are fed with formula have a higher chance of becoming ill and getting infections. Secondly, nursing releases bonding hormones. Oxytocin, also known as the trust or cuddle hormone, is produced naturally when breastfeeding. The release of the chemical in massive surges enhances a mother's feelings of trust, love and affection towards her child. Finally, it helps to get rid of all the baby fat stored in your belly. Nursing

Any infant enters the world completely relying on their mother, whether it’s to provide security, comfort, or their first meal. Breastfeeding, although pretty self-explanatory, is the act of a woman feeding a baby with milk from her breast. It is recommended that a baby be breastfed for the first time within an hour of their birth and exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life (Belsky, 2012). However, there is a stigma attached to breastfeeding in some areas of the world, especially the United States, so a common alternative is formula. There are many benefits not only the infant can gain from being breastfed, but also benefits the mother can obtain from providing this nutrition for her child. This paper will discuss

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.

Breastfeeding releases different types of hormones causing the mother to experience fulfilment and joy while feeding. The first hormone released is prolactin. This produces a peaceful, nurturing sensation, allowing the mother to relax and concentrate on the baby. The second hormone released is oxytocin, which creates a strong sense of love and attachment to the child, forming a strong bond. Oxytocin helps with recovery from childbirth by returning the uterus to its normal size.