This mom watches closely to make sure that her baby latches properly. By the way, can you name which hold this is? See more baby care pictures.
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Breast-feeding is widely believed to be one of the most important decisions a parent makes regarding their child’s early health development. It's commonly regarded as a beautiful, natural process between a mother and baby. The advent of artificial formulas led many people (including doctors) to believe that breast-feeding was no longer necessary, causing breast-feeding rates to drop to 30 percent or less in the early 1970s [Source: Eglash]. Since then, the public has become more educated about the benefits of breast milk, causing rates to increase significantly.
The list of breast-feeding benefits for baby continues to grow. Breast milk is the perfect food for a newborn, prepared by the human body specifically for another human body. Many moms comment on how special it is that the nutrition needed to fuel their baby’s growth comes directly from them. No matter how much prepared infant formulas improve, they will never match the vitamin, mineral and healthy fat content found in breast milk. Alongside the optimal nutrition balance of breast milk comes the immune protection that babies need to prevent different infections. Breast-feeding has demonstrated protection against diarrhea, ear infections, allergy sensitivity and bacterial meningitis [Source: Sinusas, American Academy of Pediatrics, Siltanen]. Breast-fed babies show less asthma, eczema, constipation and severe respiratory infections [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]. This practice has also been associated with better brain development (this may be due to other factors as well), which might be associated with the healthy fats that come in breast milk [Source: Eglash, Reynolds].
Breast-feeding has numerous benefits for mothers as well. The process provides a wonderful bonding time with the new baby. Mothers also notice a return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster when breast-feeding [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]. Long-term benefits include better bone density for moms in the postmenopausal years, and lower rates of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]. With breast-feeding there might also be a protective role against postpartum depression [Source: PCNA]. It's free and might help prevent many illnesses down the road for both baby and mom. These advantages lead to substantial savings in time, worry and money.
Expecting moms who are planning to breast-feed should keep a few things in mind when starting the process. First, know that the baby might need a few tries to get used to the process. Be sure to ask for help; the hospital will have many nurses with special training and experience to help you get started. A nurse can share techniques and positions for a comfortable experience. Second, with the addition of a new baby, daily schedules will obviously change dramatically, and it can be easy for a new mother to fall behind on her own nutrition. It's important to make it a priority to get plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins. If a new schedule does not allow much time for trips to the grocery store, ask for help. Ask your doctor about vitamin supplementation. Many women may continue to take their prenatal vitamin for the extra iron and minerals it supplies. Women might want to consider supplementing with fish oils for the benefit to baby’s brain development as well.
Worldwide, health organizations strive to increase the number of new mothers choosing to breast-feed. The benefits breast milk provide a new baby cannot be found in any form of artificial formula. Mothers obtain many specific benefits, both short- and long-term, that will improve their health and well-being.
