The debate between breastfeeding vs formula feeding can get ugly. While both of these methods are typically optional and determined by the mother, if one were to bring this subject up in front of ten different mothers and things could get quite tense and heated. I believe that this subject is one of the most controversial topics in modern day parenting. Over time, numerous studies have been conducted on the pros and cons of both breastfeeding and formula feeding. Breastfeeding, yes because it has many benefits and helps with mother-infant bonding or no because it tends to not be the “most attractive option”? Seaneed Sloan, a research assistant at The Institute of Child Care Research, wrote an article “Breast is Best?” based on a study that …show more content…
There are many barriers to breastfeeding and it is not always possible for mothers to breastfeed their child. The authors describe that there are many different benefits of breastfeeding to mother and infant; these benefits have been well documented over time. Breastfeeding has shown to improve the child’s overall health, reduce health inequalities, reduce risk of childhood illnesses (respiratory illness, asthma, and wheeze), diarrheal disease, atopic disease and also, gastrointestinal illness. More recently, breastfeeding has been implicated as having a protective effect against the development of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and obesity (Sloan, Sneddon, Stewart & Iwaniec, 2006). Breastfeeding also allows skin-to-skin contact which promotes bonding and soothing. Evidence shows that breastfeeding can result in many benefits for cognitive development in early and middle childhood. Mortensen, Michaelson, Sanders, and Reinisch (2002) found an association between breastfeeding and intelligence in adulthood, independent of confounding factors including education and socio-economic status. Breastmilk is said to contain certain chemicals that help stimulate brain …show more content…
for giving a newborn proper nutrition. However, in many countries, the percentages of women who do not breastfeed their babies have remained high. A research study done by Hamlyn et al. (2000) showed that exactly 30% of new mothers in the countries of England and Wales fed their babies formula milk from birth and by around 6-10 weeks exactly 58% of the mothers used formula solely. Formula milk use continues to be an important part of British women’s experience of feeding their babies (Lee, 2007). A study was then conducted between 503 women about how they felt about their feeding choices towards their babies; who were aged 0-6 months. Each woman had fed their baby formula milk by the time of the interview. Results showed that 76% of the women were “pleased to find a solution that made things easier for them”, 88% stated that they were simply “relieved that the baby was being fed”. Some women claimed they found breastfeeding to be exhausting, others said they were happy to formula feed because they were able to share the task of infant feeding with others. Some women proposed that ‘pleasure’ was ultimately related with formula use, and it was fathers’ participation that was mostly highlighted in this regard. Lee (2007) stated “the most joyful accounts were where women discussed their partners feeding the baby.” A mother named Tracey who participated in the study explained that, “We were literally doing half and half in the
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.
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
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.
When you think of feeding your baby, you have two options: breast milk or formula. I’m sure when you think of breastfeeding, you think it’s hard and painful, but in
The benefits outweigh the negative aspects of breast feeding your child. Breastfeeding is best for the mother and the child. It creates a lasting bond between mother and child. It also helps save you hundreds of dollars in the first year alone. It is also good for the environment, due to the fact that there is no waste product. Four million babies a year ready to start a happy, healthy, well adjusted life. That is a lot of mouths to feed it you have to pay for formula. So why not breast feed your new born child it is free and is what is best for the baby.
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
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.
Breastfeeding in public is one of the most controversial issues in society today. Breastfeeding has been around since before the 15th century. It is a bond shared between a mother and a child. Research shows that breastfeeding is the best choice over formula because breastfeeding provides the infant with essential nutrients, helps with recovery from childbirth, and protects the infant against a number of chronic conditions. Breastfeeding is abnormal, healthy, natural and need not be disguised, explained, or apologized. You should be able to breastfeed your baby wherever or whenever your child is hungry. Breastfeeding is not a choice it’s a responsibility. It may not be the right choice for some parents, but it’s the best choice for every baby.
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
Nutritionally, breastfeeding provides specific antibodies which help to prevent infant and childhood diseases. Diseases such as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection) and Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus are serious diseases in infants which can lead to death (Riordan 1997). Breastfeeding is a natural immunization for infants and mothers, decreasing risks such as pneumonia, SIDS, and childhood obesity in infants. Mothers decrease their risk for breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and weight gain (Stuebe 2009). Just as diseases can be immune from breast milk, breastmilk also aids in brain development. In “Breastfeeding benefits babies’ brains”, Stacey states, “babies who had
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.
Women in this world have a right to bear children and take care of them. As a new parent, there are millions of questions, worries, and decisions one deals with throughout the whole child's life. When a child is first born, a mother has to decide whether or not to breastfeed or formula feed. The nutrition a baby receives in the first months of life is what determines if the baby has a good or bad start. Women should breastfeed their children because breastfeeding boosts chances of success for their child, allows their baby to receive natural immunity from antibodies, mothers are less likely to develop diseases such as cancers or diabetes, and breastfeeding stimulates oxytocin to promote bonding between mother and child. Breastfeeding is the best choice for a baby.
“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.
You were all babies once, right? Do you know how your parents chose to feed and nourish you? One major decision that every parent has to face with the arrival of a new baby, is how will they nourish him or her, breastmilk or formula?