I was looking at the files in my computer and came across this paper that my mom wrote for the English class she was taking. She was so happy about going back to school and improving her life. She was also very proud of the fact that i was able to nurse Emily for 19 months, and she did tell me that all the time. So i thought i would post this in memory of Mom and for World breastfeeding Awareness Week
Kimberly Watkins
Management 1010
Laura Duprey, M.A.
29 November 2009
A Personal Decision
When you choose whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby it is usually the first decision expectant parents make.
Some of the advantages to nursing are a special bonding between mother and baby, breast milk is always fresh and available, and you don’t have to make or warm bottles in the middle of the night, in addition, you don’t have to worry about packing bottles when you are going out. At approximately fifteen hundred dollars a year, the cost of formula can be very expensive, however, breast milk is always free.
There are many health benefits for babies that are breastfeed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), when a baby is first born, breast milk contains Colostrums an extra special fluid, sometimes called “liquid gold” that is rich in protein, immune factors, vitamins, anti-infections agents, and minerals that protect newborn babies until his immune system begins to function. Infection fighting antibodies passed from mother to baby help to protect baby from ear infections, respiratory infections, furthermore, it has been proven to prevent allergies, asthma, diabetes, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome also known a S.I.D.S.
In addition to all those nutrients, breast milk also contains living cells, such as, white cells, hormones, and enzymes, which is very unique and cannot be copied in any formula.
Researchers , such as, the American Medical Association (A.M.A.) have determined that breastfeed babies are sick less and have less trips to the hospital than formula feed babies. I have also heard that breastfeed babies are smarter by having slightly higher I.Q.’s.
Breastfeeding is also good for moms, because it burns calories, mom can get back in shape quicker after birth. The (A.M.A) has done studies that show breastfeeding helps lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and ovarian cancer.
Society can also benefit from parents deciding to breastfeed, for instance, according to an article “Peaceful Revolution” in the Women’s Health Magazine, a 2001 study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A), the study found that the United States could save approximately $3.6 billion a year if breastfeeding rates rose to the levels recommended by the Federal Government.
European countries, such as, Sweden, Germany, and France have created a well funded support around breastfeeding and I think the U.S. should implement these strategies for our children’s well being and for our economy. The federal government has only one program pertaining specifically to breastfeeding, which is the counselors of Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.). W.I.C. has a significant breastfeeding program including counselors, however, breastfeeding rates are still very low for several reasons, including lack of support, and worksite issues.
There are some challenges that moms face while breastfeeding, for instance, moms breast leak milk in between feedings and can be embarrassing when stains appear on their blouse, however, there are products on the market that can help with this problem.
Another challenge is soreness of the breast that some women experience when breastfeeding, on the other hand, moms should consult a doctor if the soreness last for a long period of time. Working moms usually have to pump, and store milk for caregivers to feed babies while mom is at work.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge is breastfeeding in public, However, in the United States, women are gaining more breastfeeding rights, and in 1998, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a Democrat from New York, introduced legislation “The Right to Breastfeed Act. H.R.1848” to protect a woman’s right to breastfeed on federal property where she and her child have a right to be. The Bill was signed into law on September 28, 1999, when President Bill Clinton signed the Treasury Postal Appropriation Bill, which included Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s Right to Breastfeed ACT. According to Baby Talk Magazine, some moms experience concern at first, for instance, “what will other peoples reactions be?”
There will always be some people uncomfortable, and moms have to be sensitive the those feelings, such as, being discreet and using a blanket or some other form of cover when breastfeeding in public, however, breastfeeding in public is legal in the United States, and if someone seems to be bothered by you nursing, or asks you to leave, you can kindly remind the person that breastfeeding is legal, normal, and the best nutrition for your baby. I believe that the more women are seen nursing in public the more acceptable it will become.
Women’s Health Magazine also reports that breastfeeding is highly recommended by doctors, nutritionist, and dietitians, and they will try to encourage all parents to breastfeed their babies. Breast milk alone is sufficient for the first six months of his/her life, then you should introduce first foods. Breastfeeding for the first twelve months gives baby a good start on being healthy, breastfeeding until he or she is two is even better, or as long as you and baby are comfortable doing so.
However breastfeeding is not for every mother. Formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and it has some advantages like, either parent or grandparents can feed the baby. Formula feed babies usually eat less than breastfeed babies.
Breastfeeding is the most natural, healthy, and beautiful way to care for your little bundle of joy, and with all the benefits in health for baby and mommy, and I hope that every expectant mother makes the personal decision to enjoy the warmth and closeness of breastfeeding her baby.
Bibliography
Site sources
www.cdc.gov/BREASTFEEDING/DATA/report_card.htm
www.publichealthreports.org/userfiles/124_3/356-358.pdf
www.babycenter.com › Baby › Breastfeeding
www.who.int › ... › Newborns, infants and children › Nutrition
Magazines sources
Baby Talk Magazines “Benefits of Breastfeeding” August 2009
Woman’s Health Magazine “Peaceful Revolution”
Book sources
Gwen Gotsh and Judy Torgus, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition, 2009
