The Importance of Breastfeeding
Source : Pubdate : 2011/10/28 9:32:00 Author :
Can you remember when you first learned to dance, ride a bike, use a computer or put on make-up? You probably started out not really knowing what you were doing and making a few mistakes, but with time and practice you eventually got it right.
Like learning any new skill, breastfeeding can take patience and perseverance to get right. Producing breast milk may be a natural process, but the art of actually breastfeeding needs to be learned.
We used to learn this skill from the older women in our community; our mothers, aunties and grandmothers who had breastfed before us, but this is often not possible in the 21st century.
Breastfeeding can be challenging in the early days for many mothers. How do you hold your baby and make sure they attach correctly? Is it supposed to hurt? How often should your baby be feeding? How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk?
The first weeks
It is normal to have ups and downs in the first weeks. Some mothers will have more downs than ups and need lots of extra assistance. However, with the right support and information, most mothers can breastfeed successfully.
If breastfeeding is not going well, there are many sources of help and it is OK to ask for help and support. And to keep asking if you still don't feel things are working! The majority of difficulties is temporary, but can feel insurmountable if the right help isn't available.
Research all over the world shows breastfeeding is very important for babies and mothers. It really makes a difference if babies are breastfed, even for some of the time.
Breastfeeding shouldn't be like being on a diet where if you 'fall off the wagon' by sneaking a few chocolate biscuits you feel you are a failure and have to give up your diet forever. It's OK if your baby is not fully breastfed for a while because of temporary problems. Any breast milk is better than none at all and further down the track you may be able to fully breastfeed again.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breast milk is human milk. It is the perfect food for human babies as it provides everything a little human need to grow and develop to their full potential - physically, mentally and emotionally.
In developing nations, breastfeeding can be the difference between life and death for a new baby as they have an 8 times lower chance of dying than formula-fed babies.
Breast milk contains anti-bodies and proteins that protect babies from illness and disease. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of:
· allergies
· eczema
· asthma
· diabetes
· childhood cancers such as lymphoma
· obesity
· SIDS
Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs for at least the first 6 months of their life and continues to be the most important part of their diet throughout the first year. It is a living fluid, constantly changing to meet the needs of a growing baby.
The unique combination of fatty acids and other components in breast milk contribute to optimal brain development. And yes, breast milk contains all the things you see advertised on TV like Omega 3! All in perfect quantities for your individual baby.
Breastfeeding and you
Breastfeeding is good for mothers too! Breastfeeding helps mothers' bodies return to their pre-pregnant state more quickly and many women also find they lose excess weight while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also reduces a woman's risk of cancer of the breast and ovaries, heart disease and osteoporosis.
It is also very convenient, cheap and portable and can be the perfect way to soothe a grumpy baby! It is very reassuring for mothers to be breastfeeding when they have to deal with n
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