Breastfeeding

I have breastfed both of my babies and feel that it has been not only the best for them nutritionally but also allowed us to bond in the most natural way possible. Ethan nursed until he was 21 months old and I am planning to let Ella self-wean as well. Ethan has had one earache and one upper respitory infection, that's it. I hope Ella is as healthy and know that I am giving her the best odds for that by nursing.

If you are interested in breastfeeding your little one I highly recommend reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, it is super informative and also see if there is a La Leche League or other support group in your area. If you are in Lenawee County Latch On Lenawee is a great group. I was lucky to have no issues with either of my babies--but still appreciated the added support a group of women that have been there can provide.

Here are just a couple of the MANY reasons breast is best.

Breastfeeding: Best for Baby – Best for You

For the baby and growing child, breast milk:

-provides the best possible infant food.

-contains all of the nutrients and energy your baby needs, and changes to meet your baby’s growing needs.

-is easy for baby to digest.

-promotes proper development of the jaw, teeth and facial structure.

-encourages a normal weight gain for baby which protects against future obesity.

-protects against chronic health problems such as allergies, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and dental cavities.

-protects against infection because living substances in breastmilk prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses in baby’s digestive system. 

-prevents babies from being sick and makes their illnesses less severe. Breastfed babies have fewer respiratory illnesses and less diarrhea and constipation.

-contains everything needed to help the development of baby’s brain.

-enhances attachment between mother and baby by providing lots of direct skin contact between mother and baby. You cannot spoil your baby, so this physical contact helps to build a secure, loving relationship.

For the mother, breastfeeding:

-causes less postpartum bleeding and less chance of anemia.

-uses up extra calories, allowing most mothers to lose weight gradually without dieting.

-protects a mother from health problems such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, urinary tract infections, and osteoporosis.

-can continue when mothers return to work or school.

-saves a great deal of time, effort, and money. Breast milk is always safe, fresh, and exactly the right temperature. Breast milk is always with you, making breastfeeding convenient – especially in emergencies.

-produces naturally-soothing hormones which increase calmness, self-esteem, and confidence.

For the family and community, breastfeeding:

-reduces costs to families – breastfeeding is free and readily available. In comparison, breast-milk substitutes (formula) cost $2000 - $3000 per child per year.

-protects the environment as breastfeeding is free from unnecessary packaging and waste.

-improves the health and well-being of our community.

-decreases health care costs as breastfed babies have fewer physician and hospital visits.

-improves productivity and reduces time away from work for parents because their breastfed children are healthier.

References:

 INFACT Canada.  (2000).  Fact sheet: The benefits of breastfeeding.  [Online]. 

Accessed: July 20, 2004.  Available at: http://www.infactcanada.ca/Some Benefits of Breastfeeding.pdf

INFACT Canada.  (2000).  Fact sheet: Healthy babies.  [Online].  Accessed: July 30,

2004.  Available at: http://www.infactcanada.ca/Healthy Babies.pdf

Health Canada.  (1998).  10 great reasons to breastfeed [Pamphlet].  Ottawa, ON: Health Canada.

Health Canada.  (2004).  Exclusive breastfeeding duration: 2004 health Canada

recommendation.  [Online].  Accessed: July 20, 2004.  Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/onpp-bppn/infant_feeding_recommendations_ebf_e.pdf

La Leche League.  (1997).  The womanly art of breastfeeding (6th ed.).  New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Inc.

La Leche League.  (2003).  Frequently asked questions: The advantages of breastfeeding.  [Online].  Accessed: August 9, 2004.  Available at: http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/advantages.html

Olds, S.B., London, M.L., & Ladewig, P.A.  (2000).  Maternal newborn nursing: A family and community-based approach (6th ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Sears, W., & Sears, M.  (2003).  The baby book: Everything you need to know about your baby from birth to age two (2nd ed.).  New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. 

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