Breastfeeding is an important public health topic. In
today’s time, I do not think that breastfeeding is talked about enough. I have
not had children, but I have been in child development classes and child care
classes and this topic is just brushed over. I almost feel like this topic is
taboo now to talk about. Breastfeeding is so important for the healthy
development of a child. I was researching breastfeeding this week and found
some interesting facts about breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding should happen for the first six months of
life
Breastfeeding aids in the uterus returning to original size after birth
Breastfeeding aids in the uterus returning to original size after birth
An average breastfeed lasts 16 minutesBreastfeeding burns calories
Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently
Breastfeeding can help prevent cancer and reduces risk of osteoporosis
Breastfeeding children are sick less often
Breastfeeding children have fewer allergies
("Breastfeeding
facts," 2009)("10 facts on breastfeeding," 2012) (Bonyata,
2011).Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently
Breastfeeding can help prevent cancer and reduces risk of osteoporosis
Breastfeeding children are sick less often
Breastfeeding children have fewer allergies
After look at all these facts, I do not know why a mother would not at least TRY breastfeeding. There are so many benefits to the child along with forming a great bond for the mother and child. I also found this chilling statistic: Globally less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed ("10 facts on breastfeeding," 2012). This should be a higher statistic! We need to educate ourselves and be more like the country of Kenya. In Kenya, breastfeeding is encouraged and a women who does not breastfeed is frowned upon. It is normal to breastfeed in public places there with or without a cover up (Sharon, 2012). I do not think America needs to get that crazy, but just to even pump milk to give it to their child will be a benefit.
(2012). 10 facts on breastfeeding. World Health Organization, Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/index.html
Breastfeeding facts. (2009). Retrieved from
http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/breastfeeding-facts.html
Bonyata, K. (2011, July 26). Breastfeeding past infancy: Fact sheet. Retrieved from
http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/
Sharon. (2012). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.007b.com/public-breastfeeding- world.php
Great post when I had my so 20 years ago I was actually talked out of breast feeding saying people did not like to see women breast feeding and me being so young it was so unnatural especially if I was going back to school. It was a total different experience with my now 3 year old the nurses actually encouraged it and made it a wonderful experience i also would recommended this to everyone and any one
ReplyDeleteWow, was my first expression after reading you blog. Reading what you wrote makes me want to consider the option of breast feeding, when I am with child. I would have never guessed that this would help to reduce the risk of getting cancer. Thank you for sharing this information. I greatly appreciate it. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks for adding that breastfeeding burns calories for the mother, and reduces allergies in the infants, i missed that in my research.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I also read that it was used as a contraceptive. Great job as usual.
ReplyDeleteI read that is was also used as a contraceptive. Great Post.
ReplyDeleteJen Bisignano
Loved your post. Breast feeding is part of the miracle of life, it is the perfect food a the perfect temperature at the perfect time and adjusts to the age of the child. I breast feed all seven of my babies, and even though it has some rough times such as breast infections it one of the great joys of motherhood.
ReplyDelete