Why aren’t more moms doing it?-The Benefits of Breastfeeding
I was recently with an inlaw who mentioned during a conversation that she would never breastfeed – I was actually feeding the baby at the time, and I think I felt my face contort into a weird "Oh my goodness" shape, but as is my policy with lifestyle choices, I kept my thoughts to myself and said, "Ok".
I am always amazed though at the number of educated women who are simply not breastfeeding, are not educated about the benefits of breastfeeding, etc. I guess I shouldn’t be when all things are considered and I stop to think about how people treat pre-natal care and birth in our country – in a sterile and medical way. Breastfeeding is not always the cleanest, easiest and most time efficient way to nourish your baby – but it is hands down the best. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Breastmilk provides antibodies and the best tailored nutrition for babies (unless there is a medical problem of course)
2. Breastfeeding women loose weight faster.
3. Breastfeeding women recover faster.
4. Women who breastfeed lower their likelihood of ovarian and breast cancer.
5. Breastfed babies have lower incidence of childhood illnesses such as ear infections, respiratory infections, etc.
6. Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop depression.
7. Breastfeeding helps promote bonding.
8. Immediate breastfeeding after birth helps uterine contractions and expel the placenta, and help the uterus shrink.
9. Breastmilk is always warm, and conveniently packaged -ready to go.
10. Breastfeeding saves money on bottles, formula and bibs that you don’t need (formula is between $20-40 a container and last about 1-2 weeks -depending on size and brand).
11. Your breasts will look fuller and larger (because they are!) – instant breast enhancement.
I’m not sure if the stigma that breastfeeding has is based on some of the reasons given in The Chicago Sun Times Article – or that some women may believe that breastfeeding leaves you with saggy breasts (I have heard people comment on this) – the sad fact is that the minute you conceive, regardless of the outcome later – your breast tissue changes – for the better or worse.
I personally have no problem feeding my son in public, and have no problem with any part of my breast being exposed when I do so – I have more of an issue with any now fattier, less toned area slipping out or being seen!
Breast-feeding moms bare brunt of ignorance – click to read whole article on Chicago Sun Times’ Site.
SEX & RELATIONSHIPS | Our society gets all hung up on natural function January 6, 2009
BY LAURA BERMAN
Are you ready for another Nipplegate? Late last month, social networking site Facebook caused a bit of a stir when it banned several pictures of breast-feeding mothers….
Following on the heels of this breast-feeding ban is a study that found working mothers are dramatically less likely to breast-feed than mothers who don’t work outside the home. For those of you who don’t know, breast-feeding has a host of benefits for mother and child, including increased immunity for the baby, along with healing, weight loss and anti-depressant benefits for mom. Some research has even shown that mothers who breast-feed are less likely to contract breast and ovarian cancer, and it can even reduce the chance of osteoporosis.
Despite these great benefits (not to mention the intimacy and nurturing that are built during breast-feeding), many working women feel the pressure to bottle-feed. Who can blame them? The Federal Family & Medical Leave Act offers parents only 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and most families simply can’t afford to subsist on the income of one parent for this amount of time. Add to that the fact that breast-feeding is generally considered horrific to those who are not lactating, and it seems no wonder that so many women ditch the breast.
