Breastfeeding
When I had my first child I struggled with breastfeeding and had to look to a lactation consultant to come into my home and help me get started. I took breastfeeding classes prior to having my first child and felt I was prepared, but found the whole process much harder than I expected. I was worried my daughter was not getting enough milk I had no idea I would be in pain with engorgement issues. After the consultant helped me and set my mind at ease everything started getting easier. I ended up breastfeeding both of my daughters until they were the age of two and a half. I watched them develop into healthy children and I felt I was giving them the best nutritious start possible. Some of the many benefits of breastfeeding are they boost your child’s immune system and protects against infection, protects against illness, gives protection against allergies, and enhances development and intelligence. After a rough start I found breastfeeding to be so easy. I was able to take my children many places without worrying about taking bottles along and it was completely free.
China is still lagging behind national and global breastfeeding targets, health experts say. Approximately only 20 percent of mothers in China breastfeed their infants for at least six months. The findings come from a recent study of urban mothers, who are more likely to cease breastfeeding earlier than their rural counterparts. This is in contrast with Rwanda who has one of the highest rates of breastfeeding. It is common practice for mothers in Rwanda to carry their babies in slings attached to their bodies some of them practice Kangaroo Care, which is skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. At 20-23 months, 77% of Rwandan mothers still breastfed their infants in combination with other foods.
I believe breastfeeding your child is very important. It is the natural food source; forms close bonds, and give your child a wonderful start. My hope for the future would be to give new mothers support and education about the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child.
Alissa,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree Breastfeeding is a vital part a childs nutrition. It is also a great way to bond with your baby, I love the quiet time I get with my daughter while I am nursing her. Thank you for the insight about China I had not idea, that there was such a lacking in the counties women breastfeeding.
Great Job! :)
Alissa, I think its great you recevied the help you needed when breast feeding wasn't going very well for you. I think to many women, including myself, give up to easily. I am not concerned about the nutrition they missed out on and it was what I chose to do. THe bonding part is interesting though and will look further into studies done on children who were breast fed vs. those who were not as infant children.
ReplyDeleteMy 3 kids are very healthy and am concerned about one of my sons health which is what I will write about in my post.
Hi Alissa,
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful services were available to support you and provide education when needed.
In reviewing our textbook, there are benefits for the baby, mother, and family in breastfeeding.
For infants, breast milk provides the right nutrition specific the the individual, less illness, stronger jaws and breathing reflexes, and less obesity later in life (Berger, 2009).
For the mother, there is the benefits include bonding, reduced risk for certain illnesses, and easier travel with the baby (Berger, 2009). The family has increased family income and a better rate of survival for other children (Berger, 2009).
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). Table 5.4, p. 155. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Alissa this is an awesome topic. It is a proven fact that breast milk is the best food source for infants. I breast fed all 3 of my babies and it was so much more convenient than making bottles in the middle of the night! What I found interesting is in the Berger text they talk about breast milk being a mild sedative for the baby. I did not know that!
ReplyDeleteBerger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). Table 5.4, p. 155. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
O what an experience breastfeeding was. I tried it and planned to follow through until my daughter was ten months old. I did not hold up until eight weeks because working all the time just got in the way of pumping consistently. And besides, it hurts so bad!! I commend you for all your hard work. Breastfeeding is an experience that I felt bonded my daughter and I closer. If I could turn it around she would still get breastmilk. It's so convenient and perfect for proper brain development. thanks for sharing that lovely story
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you recieved the help you needed so that you could continue breastfeeding. That is when most people decide to give up.
ReplyDelete