Breastfeeding

The decision whether to breast feed your baby or feed your baby formula from a bottle can be a difficult one. If you are a working mother then the decision becomes all the more difficult. You want to feed your baby the best possible diet but you fear you won't be able to once you return to work. The baby formula sounds very convenient, however; I urge you to take a look at the benefits to be gained from breastfeeding your baby before making a decision.

Step 1: Enhanced Immune System Health

When a woman breast feeds her babies she passes certain anti bodies to the infant through her breast milk. These anti bodies enable the child to better fight infection. Studies have shown that children who are breast fed are less prone to childhood illnesses than babies who are not. This is a very good reason to consider breastfeeding your baby. A healthy baby is a happy baby.

Step 2: Breastfeeding Reduces SIDS and Diabetes

Although it is not readily apparent why this is the case, studies have shown that at least 50% fewer incidences of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) were reported among infants who were breast fed. It is felt that there is a link between some immune response and SIDS, although that has yet to be substantiated. Also, infants who are breast fed have a much lower chance of developing Diabetes (Types 1 and 2) later in life.

Step 3: Other Long-term Health Effects

Recent studies have revealed that breastfeeding may reduce the child's risk of asthma and other allergens. Studies have also shown lower cholesterol levels in adults who were breast fed babies. This means the adult would also be less likely to suffer from cardio vascular disease later in life. Over all there are many health benefits to breastfeeding your baby.

Step 4: Bonding with Your Baby

There are hormones that are released during breastfeeding. These hormones are designed to enhance a woman's maternal bond while family bonds can become stronger at the same time. When the father takes a role in assisting the mother with breastfeeding, this comforts her and makes her feel safe and content. Other members of the family can feed the baby as well. A woman can express her milk through a breast pump so that siblings can participate in feeding the baby, without losing the benefits of the breast milk.

Step 5: Weight Loss and Better Health for Mom

Many mothers have reported that the pounds they accumulated during pregnancy were shed more quickly when they breast fed their infant. You are sharing your caloric intake with your child so this makes sense. Studies have shown a decreased risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer in women who have breast fed their child/children. There has also been a link made between breastfeeding and a lower incidence of post partum depression.

Both the mother and the baby can benefit from breastfeeding, but the choice is a personal decision that a new mother needs to make based on her own set of circumstances and preferences. Please feel free to have a look around this website to gain a better understanding of all the factors involved in pregnancy.