The Importance of Breastfeeding

Search

search

explore

sign in

join now

LyndseyLou
All Topics Family and Parenting Babies and Baby Care

The Importance of Breastfeeding 79

By LyndseyLou

6 Followers 4 Hubs Joined 4 years ago

Bottle feeding in the US has become the social norm. Today more women are working outside the home and forumla feeding seems to be faster and more flexible, and a hostility towards breastfeeding has been adapted. Those who choose to breast feed are looked down upon, and more often than not, breast feeding in public is not an option for them. Although it is seldom, women are even seen in the news for causing negative reaction to breastfeeding in public. But why? The breast has become sexual symbol. People view the breast as erotic and women and are usually viewed through the neverending desire of men. This has implanted the idea that women's breasts exist soley for the purpose of pleasure to others, and not for the purpose of providing nurishment to their young. When people see a women breastfeeding, their reaction is usually ackwardness and distaste because our society has accepted the idea that the breast is sexual and not reproductive. This trend in not using the female breast as infant nourishment needs to be reversed. It has been thought that formula is nutritionally equal to breast milk and has been endorsed by the Pediatric community sence the 1950's, but this is not the case. There are several reasons why breast milk is healthier. Breastmilk contains over four-hundred nutrients that cannot be recreated in a laboratory. These nutrients are essential to the healthy production and growth of babies. Infact, the caloric density, protein, carbohydrates, and fat in breastmilk changes with the growth of the baby in order to meet the nutritional needs of the baby, unlike formula. Breastmilk is also uncontaminated by bacteria and is easier for the infant's stomach to digest. Infants who have been breast fed for at least eight months have reduced risks for: childhood cancers diarrheal diseases respiratory illness ear infections bacterial infections diabetes infant botulism Crohn's disease ulceratius colitis obesity SIDS cavities "Breast is best," not only because it is healthier for the baby but also because it has benefits for the mother as well. Nursing mothers enjoy a reduced risk for both breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and weight loss. It has also been proven that mothers who breastfeed have an increase in confidence and ability in caring for their infant. Other benefits of breastfeeding include convience and cost. Unlike formula,

72
Read more Hubs by LyndseyLou

Related Hubs Infant Diets

by ChristinaScibona

Increase Your Breast milk Supply

by tgopfrich

Breastfeeding Moms: Top gifts for them

by Mousey

The Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Milk Pump

by rochelj

Nuk Bottles
by BabyStuff

Breast Verses Bottle Feeding

by Stay-at-Home Mom

Tags
breastfeeding breast feeding breastmilk formula breastfeed breastfeeding tips nursing mothers milk bank donor milk infants breast milk

child health

benefits breastfeeding breastfeeding positions hunger signs baby hunger cues early signs of hunger signs hunger

tips for breastfeeding infant hunger cues mothers breastfeed proper latch on

breast latch on

making breast milk breastfeeding latch on pacifiers bottles infant breastfeed

making breastmilk good latch on

improper latch-on baby friendly hospital initiative hunger cues

formula verses breastmilk health after birth

health after pregnancy

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

breastmilk is free! Parents who choose to formula feed their child spend an average of $800 per year, per baby on formula alone, not including the cost of bottles. Breastfeeding also decreases production of hazardous waste such as plastic bottles and rubber nipples, and it lowers health insurance premiums for everyone due to healthier babies. Many women choose not to brestfeed because they say it hurts or their baby is not eating enough. The truth is that the breast naturally creates more than enough for the size of the infant's stomach. Most problems arise becuase mothers have not been taught how to show their babies how to latch on correctly. When the baby is latched on correctly, the nipple is usually far back in the infant's mounth and should cause no pain. When breastfeeding it is important that the infant not have any other fluids other than breastmilk, even water. Other fluids, objects like pacifiers, and even just one bottle of formula can lead to the "distraction" of the infant from breastfeeding and make it harder for the mother and the infant to breastfeed. In some cases women are not able to breastfeed. This may be a result of trauma to the milk ducts, or hormonal deficiency and/or other medical reasons. In these cases it is reccommended that mothers resort to donor milk rather than formula, this way their baby is still recieving the benefits of breastmilk. This is an option that many people do not know about. Many are hesitant to use donor milk, however the reality is that donor milk is actually more regulated than blood. It is also thought that Milk Banks are a new idea, but the truth is that the first milk bank was opened in 1938, only two years after the first blood bank was opened. Women may also choose not to breastfeed for personal reasons including time constraints, embarassment, sexual hang-ups and fears, nervousness, and family influence, or the decision is made by their doctor. If you are able to, PLEASE breastfeed or look into donor milk! It is better for you and your baby! Helpful Breastfeeding Tips: restrain from using formula no pacifiers or other liquids for at least 3 weeks, or until the baby has a good handle on breastfeeding newborns should be fed every three hours the size, shape, color, placement of breast does not influence the ability of the breast to create the appropriate amount of breastmilk for the infant's stomach recognize your baby's early hunger cues Early Signs of Hunger: soft sounds calling to mother rooting sucking on hands or lip hand to mouth head bobbing Later Signs of Hunger: Legs moving in bicycle motion Tense with clenched fists Very Late Signs of Hunger: Crying

Establishing Good LatchProper Latch-On Steps On

Proper latch-on is essential to successful breastfeeding. This means that the nipple is far back in the infants mouth, and his/her lips should cover the areola depending on the size. Nipple pain is a sign of poor and improper latch-on. When the nipple is far back in the mouth there should be no pain. When you

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Touching the infant's bottom lip with the nipple stimulates the oral search reflex.

remove your nipple from the infant's mouth and it looks squished, this is another sign of improper latch-on. Many mothers stop breastfeeding due to the initial pain of breastfeeding, but what they don't realize is that all mothers have this pain when they first start to breastfeed. This is because both the mother and the baby are learning the correct way to breastfeed. Babies are born with the knowledge of how to suck, but not with the knowledge of how to feed. In the whom infants learn to suck when a hand or foot happends to be placed in their mouth. This is something they enjoy, so when that foot or hand falls out, they learn that by arching their back the hand or foot returns. This is another mistake often made by mothers. When their infant arches their back they think that their baby doesn't like breastfeeding or doesn't like them, but this is not true. In fact, the baby simply wants more and is trying to use the trick they learned in the whom to get more. Work with your infant to achieve proper latch on. When you reach this goal you and your infant will breastfeed successfully and enjoy the benefits that breastfeeding has to offer!

The infant opens his mouth wide.

The infant is brought to the breast with the nipple centered in his mouth.

The infant is properly latched at the breast and has all of the areola in his mouth.

Breastfeeding Positions
Many may not realize it, but there is more than just one way to position yourself and your baby while breast feeding. The most common positions are the cradle, the football (also known as the clutch), cross cradle, lying down, and the tailor. The position you choose to use depends on your comfort, the comfort of your baby, and the feeding preference of your baby. Some babies even prefer one breast over another, but this is for you and your baby to determine. The cradle is the most common position used while breast feeding, and possibly the most comfortable position for the mother. The mother can breastfeed while sitting or standing in this position.

The football, or clutch, position is where you feed your baby as it lays beside you. This position is great for mothers who are beginning nursing because it allows better guidance of the head, making it easier to help the baby latch on. It is also a great

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

breastfeeding position for women with larger breasts. This position is also good for breastfeeding mothers of multiples because it allows her to feed two infants at the same time.

The cross-cradle is very similar to the cradle and can also be used while sitting or standing, but provides better support. This position is great for women with smaller breasts and for mothers of multiples.

The lying down position is probably the second most common position used while breastfeeding. It allows the mother to lay comfortably while her baby receives nourishment. This position is great for both nightnursing and nap nursing. The tailor position is great for women who like variety or for women who find the cross-legged sitting position particularly comfortable.

How To Make Plenty of Milk

1. Frequent feeds, not formula. The

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

more often you feed, the more milk you make. If you give formula, your baby will feel too full to nurse frequently. 2. All you need is breast milk! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby have a diet of purely breast milk for the first 6 months - no food or drink is needed. 3. Feed early and often. Feed at the earliest signs of hunger: if a baby's awake, sucking on hands, moving his mouth or eyes, or stretching. 4. If he didn't swallow, he didn't eat. Listening for the sound of swallowing will help you know if your baby's getting enough. 5. Say "no" to pacifiers and bottles. If pacifiers and bottles are used when your baby is hungry, you may not be nursing often enough to make plenty of milk. 6. Sleep near your baby and nurse lying down. You can rest while you feed your baby! 7. Have baby's mouth open wide like a shout, with lips folded out. The tip of your nipple should be in the back of his throat. He should be directly facing you, chestto-chest, chin-to-breast. Proper positioning prevents sore nipples. 8. Watch the baby, not the clock. Feed your baby when she's hungry, and switch sides when swallowing slows down or she takes herself off the breast. 9. Go everywhere! Plan to take your newborn everywhere with you for he first several weeks. 10. Don't wait to ask for help if you need it. If you wait too long to get the help you need, it may be harder to breastfeed. Stick with it - it's worth it!

Baby Friendly Hospitals

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was started to shift this belief that bottle feeding is just as good as, or better than breastfeeding, by getting hospitals to fully teach and support breastfeeding to pregnant and nursing mothers. The vision of the BFHI is of an American culture that values the enduring benefits of breastfeeding and human milk for mothers, babies, and society. Baby friendly Hospitals fully support breastfeeding by following the ten steps of the BFHI. 1. Maintain a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. 2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. 3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding. 4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth. 5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are separated from their infants. 6. Give infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated. 7. Practice "rooming in" -- allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. 8. Encourage unrestricted breastfeeding. 9. Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants. 10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

BFH Locations
Currently there are only sixty-seven Baby-Friendly Hospitals worldwide. While sixty-six of these hospitals are located in the United States, not every state has a Baby-Friendly Hospital. The other resided in Germany. California - 19 Colorado - 1 Connecticut - 2 Florida - 2 Hawaii - 1 Idaho - 1 Illinois - 2 Indiana - 2 Kentucky - 1 Maine - 4 Massachusetts - 1 Montana - 1 Nebraska - 2 New Hampshire - 2 New York - 2 Ohio - 3 Oregon - 4 Pennsylvania - 1 Rhode Island - 3 Tennessee - 2 Vermont - 1 Washington - 4 Wisconsin - 5
vote up vote down useful (2) funny share print flag

Was this Hub ...?

awesome (1)

beautiful (2)

interesting (1)

Comments
Go to last comment
Princessa
Level 3 Commenter

Follow (1)

3 years ago

Great hub! I exclusively breastfed my children for a year and it was great for all of us. I found it very practical not to have to worry about bottles. The children also benefited greatly as they never had an upset tummy during all that time. They also slept very well at night time. It is true that I had "funny looks" when breastfeeding in public places, but I just ignored them, it requires a supportive partner to go through it. thumbs up!
LyndseyLou
Hub Author

3 years ago

Thank you!

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding zenneth 3 years ago

yeah!!!! 8z true dt breastfeeding is very imp0rtant in newborn infant...

LondonGirl 3 years ago

fantastic hub

katy 3 years ago

ullala!

Thandi 18 months ago

I had a wOrk 2 dO in schoOl.. And i used this infOrmation.. It was amaing..=)

neha 14 months ago

fine

Clarisse jane badua 9 months ago

buti meron i2 kasi para sa quiz bee thank u talaga hah kun sino ang nag ano ni2ng breast feeding

Halima patrick 8 months ago

Well it is very healthy to breast feed the babies with breast milk.

jackie corpuz 5 months ago

oh yes ayan tapos na ang ginawa kung report:) nkatulong to grabe!!!

JenJen0703

Level 4 Commenter

4 months ago

This is a well-written hub. Much time was invested into this. Voted up, useful, and interesting, and linked to my article regarding the Anti-Breastfeeding Campaign.

Submit a Comment
Name: Members and Guests
Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.

Comment:

Post Comment

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked Comments are not for promoting your Hubs or other sites

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]

The Importance of Breastfeeding

about us

blog

advertise

faq

link to this page

copyright

Copyright 2012 HubPages Inc. and respective owners. All rights reserved. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. terms of use privacy policy (0.18 sec) HubPages Family

file:///C|/Users/Toshiba/Desktop/The-Importance-of-Breastfeeding.htm[5/10/2012 8:31:45 PM]