Breast feeding is meaningful to me because I was not properly informed about the huge impact it has on infants. Breast feeding is very beneficial for infants, some benefits are:
· It’s easily digested in babies sensitive digestive tracts.
· Provides infants with antibodies to fight off diseases.
· Promotes intimacy and closeness between mom and baby
· It’s convenient, always fresh, warm and ready and can be done anywhere
In the United States we have options; we can either breast feed or use formula. Formula is not the same as breast milk; it does not contain the antibodies the baby would get from breast milk. Breast feeding is always the best option for infants but if you are not able you can use formula.
In other countries you don’t have options of how you will feed your baby. In West Africa the drinking water can’t be trusted to mix formula and some can’t afford to purchase what they need to bottle feed. In the United States society treats breast feeding as if it were a bad thing. In Africa society treat nursing mothers like they are feeding their child and normal. The mothers are open and friendly about breast feeding. They are confident and welcome the bonding experience between mother and baby.
Woman breast feeding her child at church
I have learned that women produce milk for a reason. As a mother we should at least try it and give your baby the proper nutrients they deserve. When I open my daycare I will welcome mothers to breastfeed their infant. If there is anything I can do to make the process easier for the parent and child, I will do so. If I have more children I will definitely try breast feeding this time around.
References:
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Sokol, E. (2007). Protecting breastfeeding in west and central africa:. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/WCARO_Pub_Breastfeeding.pdf
References:
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Sokol, E. (2007). Protecting breastfeeding in west and central africa:. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/WCARO_Pub_Breastfeeding.pdf
When I had my daughter my doctor nor the nurses explain to me about breastfeeding. They came in asked me if I wanted to try breastfeeding my daughter and I said no, in of conversation. I never was told about the advantages of breastfeeding. If I knew then what I know now I probably would have breastfeed my daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt funny mother's in America have to cover up when breastfeeding their infants because no one wants to see that. People treat breastfeeding like the mom is doing something wrong. In other part of world breastfeeding is as natural as childbirth.
Great Post
When I had my daughter, 28 years ago, breast feeding was looked down upon. It was not encouraged, information was not available, and it was considered an option for poor mothers that could not afford formula.
ReplyDeleteToday, we realize the benefits of breast feeding, although it is still not considered good ediquette to perform the act in public.
At my daycare, I have a mother that breastfeeds. She sends in bottles of breast milk daily, and we use the breast milk to feed the baby. While at work, she pumps milk for the next day. When she has extra, she freezes it. We keep some extra frozen, in case we run out.
My daughter is expecting this July, and is hoping to breast feed her baby. She found out that the PA state WIC (Womens, Infants, and Children) office, that supplies nutritional support to pregnant women and young children, now provides benefits to encourage women to breast feed. This is relatively new! They will give new mothers the option of receiving free formula, or of breast feeding and receiving free diapers and baby food.
Mary L.
Reference
Pennsylvania Department of Health. WIC & You, Making Healthy Choices Together. Retrieved from: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/women,_infants___children_(wic)/14204
I breastfed both of my sons. They were both born in California where breastfeeding is very popular. I used to be a very modest person but when it came to feeding my children, I would feed them whenever they needed it. My children would not nurse with a blanket covering us, they wanted to be out in the social world. I was never asked to cover up and never looked down upon for breastfeeding my children. I nursed them in restaurants, parks, the mall, at home, wherever we were, when they needed to eat, they ate! I live in Ohio now and as popular as breastfeeding is and as important as it is I am curious to see if nursing in public is as accepted here as it is in California. We are all Americans, we all live in the United States yet we all have different views on culture and acceptance. Different states and areas within states set cultural and societal guidelines for how we act. If I am lucky enough to have another child, they will be breastfed as well, in public when they need it.
ReplyDeleteAmy