I chose breastfeeding as my topic because it has always been a somewhat controversial subject for myself personally. Even though I completely agree with all the apparent benefits in regards to breastfeeding, I also believe it is a personal choice, and no one should ever feel pressured by anyone just because they choose not to breastfeed their children. For me personally I chose not to breastfeed either one of my children, and I don't feel like I lost any bonding time with them because I chose not to breastfeed. And beside the apparent health benefits I think the main argument for breastfeeding is because of the bonding element, and I would never take that away from any mother, But I still feel I was also able to bond with my son and my daughter just as well as any women who did choose to breastfeed. And after my first child was born, my son who was premature, I was told by one nurse in particular that I should feel guilty because I didn't want to nurse him, Especially because he was premature. She then proceeded to lecture me all the benefits of breastfeeding, and how if I don't nurse him then my son will get sick a lot more than babies who are breastfeed. Of course needless to say I did put her in her place, and tell her that this is a personal preference, and I really resent anyone telling me I was being self fish or should feel guilty because I didn't want to do something I wasn't comfortable doing in the first place. To which she immediately began to change her attitude and apologized, simply stating she was considering what was best for my son's health and overall well-being. Just at this point one of the other nurses who I had a discussion with in regards to this very subject just the day before, walked in and joined in on our conversation. She reassured me that I would bond with my baby just fine whether or not I choose to breastfeed him, and contrary to popular belief breastfeed babies do still get sick just as much, or in some cases even more than bottle fed babies. Whether that was actually true or not, or if she really did believe that, the most important thing was that she was sensitive to my feelings. And as a new mother for the first time needless to say I was worried, apprehensive, and even a little scared, because after all I did just give birth to a premature baby. So I think one important thing to remember is that breastfeeding might not always be a choice for some women in other countries, But it is here in the U.S, and no woman or mother should never feel pressured or guilty or even some what less of a good mother just because breastfeeding is not one option we choose for our child or children. "Some women choose to bottle feed for a variety of reasons, and many of them report they're made to feel guilty about it. The "guilt" issue is one that lactation advocates know well. "Guilt has been the excuse for not talking about breastfeeding for years", Lawerence says. "The obstetrician would say, "I don't want to talk to mothers about breastfeeding because I don't want them to feel guilty". But every woman deserves to make an informed decision and she can't do that unless she knows the facts. If she should choose formula feeding for whatever reason she may have, then that is her informed decision".
Reference: Zuniga, Marielena. The Breastfeeding Battle Retrieved from:
http://www.soroptimist.org/articles/article_breastfeeding.html
"For most newborns, good nutrition starts with mother's milk. Colostrum, a thick, high-calorie fluid, is secreted by a woman's breasts for about the first three days following the birth of her child. After that, the breasts begin to produce milk, the ideal infant food (see Table 5..4) . Compared with cow's milk, human milk is sterile, at body temperature, with iron, vitamins, and other nutrients for brain and body".
Benefits of breastfeeding – For baby
Right mixture: Breast milk has the exact combination of fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes required at various stages of growth of the new born. Breast milk has properties to enhance nervous system development too. Breast milk is easily digestible.
Immunity: Breast milk increases a child’s resistance to infections. Macrophages that occupy 80% of the cells in breast milk kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Hence, babies who are breast-fed have fewer ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.
Perfect infant nutrition: Breast milk enhances the nervous system development and increases IQ, 8 points higher compared to babies who were not breast-fed.
Reduced instance of SIDS: The risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in breastfed babies are reduced.
Meets demands of growth: Breast milk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the growing baby.
Better dental health: Breast-fed children have better overall dental health (due to unique sucking action required while breastfeeding).
Reduces risks of breast cancer: Breast-fed adult daughters are at lower risk of developing breast cancers.
Protection against Intestinal disorder: Breast-feeding helps babies avoid developing chrohn’s disease later in life.
Reference: Retrieved from: TargetWoman - Portal for Women Benefits from Breastfeeding
http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/benefits-breastfeeding.html
After some research I discovered some interesting facts in regards to breastfeeding in Japan. It seems that traditionally women gave birth at home were encouraged to immediately breastfeed their babies, and start by using the method of breast massage. It is believed that breast massaging can help with the production of the mother's milk. "Massaging your breasts will clear the milk ducts and get the milk flowing more freely which will help empty the breasts and therefore trigger higher milk production". I also discovered that Japan was one of the first developed countries to establish a hospital that was geared toward expecting mothers, "Traditionally, Japanese women gave birth at home and breastfed with the help of breast message. Weaning was often late, with breastfeeding in rare cases continuing until early adolescence. After World War II Western medicine was taken to Japan and the women began giving birth in hospitals, where the baby was usually taken to the nursery and fed formula. In 1974 a new breastfeeding promotional campaign by the government helped to boost the awareness of its benefits and its prevalence has sharply increased. Japan became the first developed country to have a baby-friendly hospital and as of 2006 has another 24 such facilities".
References: Retrieved from:
http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breast-massage.html
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/breastfeeding/history-of-breastfeeding.html
Reference: Zuniga, Marielena. The Breastfeeding Battle Retrieved from:
http://www.soroptimist.org/articles/article_breastfeeding.html
Breast is Best
"For most newborns, good nutrition starts with mother's milk. Colostrum, a thick, high-calorie fluid, is secreted by a woman's breasts for about the first three days following the birth of her child. After that, the breasts begin to produce milk, the ideal infant food (see Table 5..4) . Compared with cow's milk, human milk is sterile, at body temperature, with iron, vitamins, and other nutrients for brain and body".
Reference:
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Benefits of breastfeeding – For baby
Right mixture: Breast milk has the exact combination of fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes required at various stages of growth of the new born. Breast milk has properties to enhance nervous system development too. Breast milk is easily digestible.
Immunity: Breast milk increases a child’s resistance to infections. Macrophages that occupy 80% of the cells in breast milk kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Hence, babies who are breast-fed have fewer ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.
Perfect infant nutrition: Breast milk enhances the nervous system development and increases IQ, 8 points higher compared to babies who were not breast-fed.
Reduced instance of SIDS: The risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in breastfed babies are reduced.
Meets demands of growth: Breast milk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the growing baby.
Better dental health: Breast-fed children have better overall dental health (due to unique sucking action required while breastfeeding).
Reduces risks of breast cancer: Breast-fed adult daughters are at lower risk of developing breast cancers.
Protection against Intestinal disorder: Breast-feeding helps babies avoid developing chrohn’s disease later in life.
Breastfeeding benefits – For mother
- Breastfeeding is an emotionally rewarding and relaxing experience to mother and baby.
- Women who breastfeed have lower incidence of breast cancer.
- A perfect natural way to bond intimately with the newborn.
- Mothers tend to lose the extra pounds gained during pregnancy as nursing uses up extra calories.
- The uterus contracts back to its original size after having been stretched during pregnancy.
- It delays return of monthly periods.
Reference: Retrieved from: TargetWoman - Portal for Women Benefits from Breastfeeding
http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/benefits-breastfeeding.html
Breastfeeding in Japan:
After some research I discovered some interesting facts in regards to breastfeeding in Japan. It seems that traditionally women gave birth at home were encouraged to immediately breastfeed their babies, and start by using the method of breast massage. It is believed that breast massaging can help with the production of the mother's milk. "Massaging your breasts will clear the milk ducts and get the milk flowing more freely which will help empty the breasts and therefore trigger higher milk production". I also discovered that Japan was one of the first developed countries to establish a hospital that was geared toward expecting mothers, "Traditionally, Japanese women gave birth at home and breastfed with the help of breast message. Weaning was often late, with breastfeeding in rare cases continuing until early adolescence. After World War II Western medicine was taken to Japan and the women began giving birth in hospitals, where the baby was usually taken to the nursery and fed formula. In 1974 a new breastfeeding promotional campaign by the government helped to boost the awareness of its benefits and its prevalence has sharply increased. Japan became the first developed country to have a baby-friendly hospital and as of 2006 has another 24 such facilities".
References: Retrieved from:
http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breast-massage.html
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/breastfeeding/history-of-breastfeeding.html
Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you that it should be a woman's personal choice. I am going to be a first time mom and I have been faced with making this decision. And while I believe I will attempt breastfeeding I think it is important to be up to date on the benefits for both breastfeeding and not. Thank you for sharing such great information.
Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your post. I agree that no one should never feel pressure to do anything. Though I breastfed my children, breastfeeding is a personal choice a mother should be able to decide for their babies. We should be able to respect the decision of the mother. I pumped milk show that my husband can share in the bonding with the boys. While bottle feeding you have that eye contact, the holding of your finger and the ability to talk/sing with them while feeding. However, there are many ways for the family and others to bond as well.
Adding my two cents regarding "guilt": I had so much trouble breastfeeding my first baby that I wanted to quit. It hurt terribly and the additional stress was not good for either me or my daughter - not to speak of the strain it put on my husband! It was partially guilt and partially determination to prove that I could do it that kept me going. After what seemed like weeks - we finally got it down.
ReplyDeleteBut there are so many moms, like you, who choose not to breastfeed or those who can't - and I just couldn't imagine adding that kind of pressure to mother and baby when formulas are constantly improving to provide proper nutrition and - as you said - bonding is more effected by the interactions instead of the method of feeding.
I also find it interesting that some of the benefits of breastfeeding listed above can be just as present in non-breastfed babies if the caregivers are aware and responsive to the infant's needs: demand, unlike bottlefed babies, breastfed mothers can gauge how long their baby nurses but not the quantity that they ingest; oral health, breastfed babies are not typically put to bed with a bottle in their mouth - this is the cause of poor teeth as much as nutrition, bottlefed babies may be allowed to sleep with "food" in their mouth so to speak; some arguments for shared sleeping and breastfeeding as a reduction for SIDS may also be related to the increased frequency of breastfeeding and the length between feedings and the intervals between parent/baby interactions.
Not that I am trying to discount the benefits of breastfeeding, just suggest that there are so many facets to these benefits that all babies, regardless of how they are fed, can reap most of these same benefits from loving, attentive parents!
(I'll get off my soapbox now) :~)