Why Should Mothers Breastfeed
G. W. Goodrum, Jr.
Since the beginning of time mothers of have breastfed
their young. Nature has revealed a way to
nourish, protect and decrease infant mortality rates. Breast feeding is unique way to provide ideal
food for healthy growth and development of young infants and children. Breastfeeding education programs have been
developed to empower parents to support the breastfeeding initiatives and
experience the advantages for both Mother and infant.
Immediately after giving birth, the new Mom should
attempt to breast feed her new born. The
new Mom will notice a thick yellow like substance secrete from her breast when
attempting to nurse her young for the first time. This substance is called colostrum. This thick substance is filled with rich
nutrients, antibodies and immunological elements crucial for a healthy
infant. According to Dibley (2010),
“Appropriate breast feeding has proven effective in reducing the incidence and
severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections”.
Other advantages
of breast feeding your infant is breast milk contains protein, fat and
sugar that your baby needs to grow and help protect him or her against certain
diseases like asthma, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and even obesity. Breast milk also lowers the risk of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Understanding that your baby’s digestive and respiratory systems are
still developing, the antibodies in breast milk help fight these diseases.
Now to the most important part of this instruction: Breast feeding your baby. Each step is as important as the next. First, support your baby’s head and neck by
placing your hand under the baby’s head and neck. Then tilt the baby’s head towards your
breast. By tilting his or her head makes
it easier for the baby to suck and swallow.
According to Gannon (1998), “If the new mother values
what she is giving her child; she will be more likely to continue to breast
feed through some of the early trials and tribulation many new moms
experience”. With that being said, you
may not be successful in feeding your baby on your initial try. Mothers have learned to ensure the baby’s
tongue is positioned below the nipple.
So, reposition the baby and let your breast hang naturally. Make sure the baby’s nose is aligned with
your nipple. Performing these minor
adjustments will help your baby latch onto the nipple properly.
Having a good latch will ensure your infant is well fed
and nourished. Here are some tips to
know if you have a good latch or not.
First, the mother will feel comfortable and the baby will be relaxed
when feeding. Holding the baby’s chest
close to you will not only provide protection for the infant but will help seal
the bond between mother and child. Next,
if there is very little areola showing out of the baby’s mouth then your baby
is well on their way to having a good meal.
Finally, if you can hear of see your baby swallow the breast milk, then
you have achieved a good latch.
Now that we have covered breast feeding advantages for
the infant, let’s review some advantages for the mother. As breast feeding becomes routine for the
mother and infant, the mother body begins to produce more oxytocin, a hormone
that helps milk flow more steadily. Breastfeeding
your infant actually reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Type
2 diabetes. Lastly, breast feeding your
infant saves money. How? There is no formula to buy or bottles to wash
and sterilize, saving the family a ton of money in the beginning.
In conclusion, by evolution or natural design, Mothers
have practiced breastfeeding since the beginning. Breast feeding has shown us a unique way to
provide ideal food for healthy growth and development of young infants and
children. With an increase in
breastfeeding education programs, parents are provided necessary tools that
support the breastfeeding initiatives and secure a life-bonding experience for
both Mother and infant.
References
Dibley, M. J.,
Senarath, U., & Agho, K. E. (2010). Infant and young child feeding
indicators
across nine
east and southeast asian countries: An analysis of national survey data
2000-2005.
Public Health
Nutrition, 13(9), 1296-303.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1368980010000844
Gannon, M. C.
(1998, 12). Focal point on breastfeeding: Questions to answer when teaching a
breastfeeding
class. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 13, 28-29.
Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/212792295?accountid=32521
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide/BreastfeedingGuide-
General-English.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment