Thursday, March 01, 2012

Blog #7: Pediatricians reaffirm breastfeeding guidelines


Breastfeeding babies is healthy in plenty of ways, and is far more superior than feeding them formula. This has always been a known idea, but research has found even more evidence to prove this. Researchers say that breastfeeding is a health choice, and not just a lifestyle choice.  The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that solely breastfeeding babies within the first six months is strongly recommended. Breastfeeding provides babies and mothers a wide range of health benefits such as protection against respiratory and ear infections and sudden death syndrome. They are less likely to be obese or have diabetes and usually score higher on intelligence tests. For mothers, breastfeeding their babies can lower the risk of postpartum depression and heart disease along with breast and ovarian cancers. The benefits from breastfeeding come from the immune-boosting ingredients in breast milk and the bond that’s created between the mother and the baby.

This is a global social problem because not many mothers around the world are breastfeeding their babies. The study showed that women in poor areas tend to breast feed less which is surprising. With all of the health benefits that it provides, there are not many reasons why women should not breastfeed. Some women choose not to breastfeed because they say that it hurts or it makes their breasts smaller. Research shows that breastfeeding can help women bounce back to their original shape quicker than if they do not breastfeed. With the rising numbers of working mothers, it is hard and can be inconvenient to breastfeed their babies. To accommodate this problem, the public should have nursing areas for mothers. The work place should also have nursing areas so mothers can go back to work earlier which can benefit the company as well as the mother. In underdeveloped or developing countries, the benefits of breastfeeding should be taught. This can help babies grow up to live a longer and healthier life. Women should also be informed about taking care of herself while breastfeeding because this can also influence the baby. Overall, the benefits of breastfeeding should be informed throughout the world and in hospitals. 

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