Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for infants as it will help promote health, growth, immunity, and development. Human breast contains antibodies, viable leukocytes, and many other substances that can stop or prevent bacterial colonization and prevent harmful penetration of the newborns body. The American Academy of Pediatrics actually advocates for exclusive breast-feeding, because ideally, breast milk should be the sole nutrient for the first 6 months and continued with foods until 12 months of life or longer.
Matos, Ribeiro and Guerra write about the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk and how the antioxidants within the milk help strengthen a babies immune system. They provide a lot of scientific research and information on the different types of antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients that are within breast milk.
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 milk is easily digested by a newborns immature digestive system (DiSanto, 2012). Breast milk is always fresh, available and free (DiSanto, 2012). The skin to skin contact during breast feeding can enhance the emotional connection between mother and baby (DiSanto, 2012).
Breast milk provides all the necessary proteins, vitamins, sugar and fats essential for an infant’s growth
Breastfeeding is not only a lifestyle choice but also an important health care choice. Any amount of time that a mother can do it will help both her and the baby. Many benefits of breast milk are noted for mothers, babies, and others. Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Infant formula cannot match the perfect chemical composition of human milk, specifically the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease. The private practice of lactation
Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Breast milk not only has disease fighting substances to protect your baby from illnesses, but it also is pack full of all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of life, and to continue for as long as the mother and baby are willing and able. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to your baby, but also yourself. Breastfeeding is by far the best feeding option for your baby.
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.
Breastfeeding protects babies against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as sepsis in pre-term babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off infections like otitis media and respiratory problems like meningitis and bronchitis. It has been found to reduce the incidence and intensity of atopic diseases. Babies who breastfeed tend to suffer from colds less frequently and have fewer incidents of colic. (Davis)
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.
Within the “YES” perspective of this issue there are many points which suggest that breastfeeding is the key to an infant’s development. One of the main arguments to this point is that breast milk is designed to meet the needs of the newborn. In fact breast milk not only supplies nutrients to the infant, but it also provides the baby with antibody like properties to protect against illnesses. Through one study it was shown that babies who were formula fed were more prone, than breastfeeding babies, to certain illnesses such as ear infections. However nutrition is not the only argument for breastfeeding. Another advantageous point is that the act of breastfeeding can strengthen the intimate bond between mother and child. This bond may be enhanced
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
Infant nutrition is vital for growth and development. According to a Web page posted by KidsHealth, “Breast milk contains antibodies, lactose, protein, and fat…,” which are
Breast milk is something that someone needs to think about before having a newborn. Multiple problems can occur in the world to newborn babies if mothers continue to buy breast milk. Breast milk should not be sold because risky viruses and diseases could be in the milk if untreated, mothers who need the milk might not be able to pay for it, and someone could say what they are selling is breast milk but it is not.
Throughout most of human history, breast milk has been the one food that infants have thrived on. Breastfeeding is recognized throughout the world as the preferred method of feeding infants due to its health benefits and nutritional quality. Recommendations by leading health organizations echo the importance of breastfeeding by setting forth guidelines.
The first years of life are the most crucial years for brain, immune system and overall physiological development. This is why, it is extremely important to achieve optimal nutrition standards in these early years. Studies have shown that having optimum nutrition in infancy can lead to profound benefits throughout the lifespan of the person. Breastfeeding is extensively recommended, as the best way to achieve the