In the US about 2/3 women attempt to breast-feed their newborns, and as our awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding is increasing through activism and public education, many of these women are continuing to breast-feed for as long as they can, despite having to return to work. Almost 40% of women who begin breast-feeding their newborn as still doing so at six months (the highest recorded statistics) indicating that education of the benefits of breast-feeding is having some impact.
August is National Breast-Feeding Month, but it's never the wrong time to learn about the benefits of breast-feeding (all babies aren't born in August after all). In honor of today's great giveaway from Joia, and my intent to stick with breast-feed for at least six months (I hope! And maybe longer) I gathered some great info for you!
Interesting Facts About Breast-Feeding and Formula-Feeding:
* Less than half of women who breast-feed their baby from birth continue to do so until six months (even though it's recommended to nurse your baby for 12 months for the greatest benefits). About 75% of babies are breast-fed before supplementation is added or attemped.
* Breast milk does not always come in right away. Many new moms feel discouraged when they attempt to breast feed and aren't producing sufficient milk right away. Don't give up! It can take up 7-10 days. If you still do not produce much milk, you can breast-feed as much as you can and supplement the rest.
* WHO recommends that breast-feeding begins within an hour of birth, and that the baby is ideally breast-fed on demand.
* Many hospitals and clinics offer classes to women to learn to breast-feed. More often than not it is a learned skill. The biggest fears of new moms regarding breast-feeding? Not producing enough milk, and the pain associated with breast-feeding.
* Those who choose to or have to formula feed should be aware of the quality of water used to mix the formula, and should not "stretch the supply" of formula by using less formula and diluting with more water (it can lead to malnutrition). Formula also does not provide the taste variations or antibodies that breast-milk provides, so a real effort to breast-feed for at least some length of time should be made.
Benefits of Breast-Feeding:
* Breast milk provides perfect nutrition for babies (newborn to six months) as their sole source of food.
* Babies that are breast-fed have increased immunity against illnesses and infections. Breastmilk contains antibodies that strengthens a baby's immunity. Breastfed babies are less likely to get ear infections, lower respiratory tract infections, UTI's, and may even be less likely to die from SIDS.
* Breast-feeding encourages bonding between the baby and parent (dad can bottle feed baby, so he isn't left out! There is no reason why dad can't get up at night to feed baby, or take turns with mom during the day while she pumps~ be happy if your husband wants to get involved and let him help).
* Breast-feeding expedites a return to your previous weight, by helping shrink the uterus and burning lots of calories (about 500 a day~ that's the same as stair-climbing or vigorous biking for a whole hour every day!)
* Breastfeeding encourages baby-holding and touching, which in turn promotes self-esteem, feelings of security, and happiness in your baby. Lifelong benefits include scoring higher in exams later in life, and having lower risks of certain diseases and cancers.
* Women who breast-feed have a reduced risk of breast cancer, by 59% in high risk women (women who have family history or breast cancer) according to a long-term study of 60,000.
* Breast milk is a ready supply of food for your baby...no powder, mixing, storage supplies, or ice packs needed.
While it is not always possible for a woman to breast-feed (due to work obligations, supply limitations, or other reasons) it is encouraging to learn that many companies are now offering locations for breast-feeding mothers to express milk during the day while at work, allowing mothers a paid maternity leave of a few months, or in other ways supporting the endeavors of new mothers without compromising her job.
I almost had to give up when his top teeth came in (OUCH!!!!), but I'm proudly still breastfeeding my 10 month old. Not many of my friends went longer than 6 weeks.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting about taste variations. Does that mean you will have a less picky eater because they are use to different flavors and not bland formula?
ReplyDeleteI breast fed all 4 of my kids and each time became a more wonderful experience. It was hard to stop with my last child (who is now 6). We went until he was just over 2 yrs old. It was only about once a day by then, but it was always such a sweet time.
ReplyDeleteI miss those days, but don't miss the leaking. :)
Thank you for encouraging moms to nurse their sweet babies!
~Mimi
I miss it so much! Both of mine self-weaned from the breast at 13 months. I cried when they wouldn't nurse anymore. It's such a sweet special bonding time! I was hoping my now-15-month-old son would continue breastfeeding through flu season because breastmilk has tons of vitamin C and breastfed babies get sick less, but he had other ideas.
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding my daughter who is now 3 years old was tough for a loing time. She had tongue-tie which caused her to have to suck extra hard and that bruised my nipples. Thankfully by 2 months old it hurt alot less because she was starting to outgrow the tongue tie. And I'm super stubborn. I don't think most people would be so stubborn to stick it out for 2 months of pain. I'm glad I did though, it was really worth it! With my son the nipple tenderness was not near as bad or as long, but the after contractions every time he would nurse were agony and lasted 2 months. Ah well, if I ever have another I guess I can say from past experience that if I live through the first 2 months it only gets sweeter from there, right? ;)
You can do it! And you won't regret it either, it's so sweet and special! Good luck! :)