Breastfeeding, the Best Option for all Concerned - Essay Example

Breastfeeding, the Best Option for all Concerned When deciding to breastfeed my children, the only consideration was the health benefits mother’s milk would provide for them. While my first child was still very young, I began researching the topic just to make sure my decision was sound, based on both empirical data and other mother’s experiences so as to confirm what I had thought to be true. Many of my friends and relatives had bottle-fed their kids, all of which seemed to be both physically and mentally healthy so I needed confirmation. What I found was surprising to me and what was more surprising was that so few mothers knew of the numerous healthful, financial and developmental benefits of breastfeeding. In addition, this practice helps to strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child, this I know personally. This discussion will briefly examine the definition of breastfeeding. That there are written definitions was the first revelation upon researching the subject. It will reveal the various benefits in detail which every mother should know before making the decision to bottle feed. The most common characterization of breastfeeding has not been revised for more than 35 years and was coined by the industry that manufactures formula. The terminology ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ offered by the industry described a situation where breastfeeding was exclusively used as the baby’s sole supply of milk, however, other types of foods could be supplemented and still fall under this category. Regrettably, this industry definition is still used today by many researchers and program administrators who have not evaluated recent dialogues on the subject. “Clearly, this definition, which views breastfeeding only as a substitute for formula, not as a maternal or child health issue, is to be avoided and soon forgotten” (Labbok, 2000). The term breastfeeding, in more recent definitions, is used to describe when an infant is breastfed exclusively, on intermittent occasions during a defined period or have ever drank breast milk. The term has also been broken down into more easily identifiable categories. ‘Exclusive breastfeeding’ now is used to describe when breast milk is the only nourishment an infant receives. No other foods whether in solid or liquid form is consumed. ‘Almost exclusive’ is when the infant ingests other sources of nourishment such as solid foods, formula vitamins, etc. on occasion. Full breastfeeding is a term used to define both exclusive and almost exclusive breastfeeding. Partial breastfeeding is split into three separate classes, high, medium and low to describe the percentage of breast milk fed in proportion to other foods. Token breastfeeding is used to describe a situation where no more than 10 per cent of the baby’s diet includes breast milk (Labbok, 2000). Overwhelming scientific evidence has demonstrated that breastfeeding offers an optimal degree of the nutritional requirements for infants. In addition, evidence also shows that formula feeding is linked with many disadvantages for infants and their mothers as well. “Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby as it provides a perfect balance of nutrients, which will ensure optimal growth and development. This simple act protects children’s health and saves lives in communities around the world, and it also reduces maternal mortality” (“Breastfeeding”, 2006). Numerous studies have proven the health advantages for infants but what has surprised some are the benefits to breastfeeding mothers who are less prone to become sick than those who do not. Breast milk has all the nutrients babies need to stay healthy and grow. Breastfeeding bolsters a child’s immune system which protects them from contracting several adverse conditions including respiratory and ear infections, allergies, various infections and diarrhea. It also reduces the risk for becoming obese and developing diabetes and heart disease later in life. Infants who are breastfed develop mental and motor skills at a faster rate than those who are not. What has been known since the beginning of mankind is that breastfeeding creates a strong bond between mother and child, a bond that endures for a lifetime. What may not be as readily recognised by the general public is that breastfeeding delays a subsequent pregnancy which allows mother time to recuperate physically, emotionally and psychologically from the birth which enhances life for mum, baby and other children within the family. Evidence also has shown that the mother lowers her risk to contract osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancer to a degree proportionate to the length of time the mother breastfeeds (“Breastfeeding”, 2006). Breastfeeding provides numerous health advantages for both baby and mother but what is at times overlooked is the economic benefits. Breast milk is free while formula costs hundreds of pounds during the time span of infant feeding, a burden many new families could do without. Nothing is more natural than breastfeeding but remains a controversial method of feeding, likely because of misleading campaigns by formula makers. Many thousands of years of human history passed before formula was invented which, in itself, proves that it is an effective means to nourish infants. Most health care professionals, researchers and mother time agree that breast milk has proven to be the perfect food for babies. To provide baby with the most optimal beginning in life, evidence has shown that breast milk should be the only food given to babies until they are at least six months old. According to an extensive study at the Chandler Medical Center at the University of Kentucky, babies who are breastfed either exclusively or almost exclusively have an intelligence quotient (IQ) that is at least three and as much as five points higher than those who were fed formula. The study also demonstrated that the cognitive abilities of breast fed babies were enhanced. The longer the baby is breastfed, the greater degree of variation in cognition with pre-mature babies showing the most benefit. “This study confirms that nutrients in breast milk and maternal bonding have beneficial effects on IQ. Infants deprived of breast milk are likely to have lower IQ, lower educational achievement, and poorer social adjustment than breast-fed infants” (Franklin, 1999). Researchers of the study theorize the reason for enhanced mental abilities of breastfed babies is that mother’s milk supplies the nutrients necessary for faster development of the juvenile brain. According to the study, “breast milk may support neurological development by provision of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA)” (Franklin, 1999). Breast-feeding is better than formula for infants and their mothers for two central reasons, this natural method provides a higher nutritional value and a bonding experience which has proven to enhance the lives of both mother and child. The heightened nutrition factor alone accounts for more than three full IQ points and bonding adds another two on average. This enhanced intelligence was detected in infants as young as six months, an advantage which was maintained through the teenage years, the last age period examined by the Chandler study. “The study included 20 published reports that met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The analysis accounted for such factors as the mother’s age and intelligence, birth order, race, birth weight, gestational age, and socioeconomic status” (Franklin, 1999). The study found that intelligence increases proportionately to the length of time a baby is breast-fed. As the study explains, the contents of the brain are 60 per cent lipid. DHA and AA make up the majority of lipid in the brain. A mother’s body produces greater amounts of lipid while pregnant and much of this excess is passed on to the child via first the umbilical cord then through the mother’s milk. This chemical-based explanation provides further scientific, peer-reviewed evidence that breast milk is superior to formula, that the natural nourishment is by far the preferred method. Breastfeeding toddler-aged children is a somewhat controversial activity but is widely recommended because of the nutritional value and bonding benefits, the same as for infants. “Mothers breastfeed their toddlers for many of the same reasons they breastfeed their infants: they recognise their children’s needs, they enjoy the closeness, they want to offer comfort, and they understand the health benefits” (“What are the Benefits?”, 2005). The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that mothers breastfeed for “at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child” (“What are the Benefits?”, 2005). UNICEF and The World Health Organization go further with their recommendation, that children be breastfed up to and past the two-year mark. The controversy surrounding toddler breastfeeding concerns the child becoming overly dependent on the mother at a relatively late age. Some credible professionals fear that toddlers who have yet to be weaned may experience unnecessary impediments while striving to be independent, a natural progression for this age group. However, studies have shown that it’s the children who have been encouraged to become independent too soon who are the ones who usually exhibit fearfulness to a greater extent and tend to cling to mother for a longer period of time. The toddler that breastfeeds does not experience separation anxiety because their dependency desires are being met. “The closeness and availability of the mother through breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help toddlers grow emotionally” (“What are the Benefits?”, 2005). Toddlers learn discipline by breastfeeding too. Teaching discipline to children involves giving instructions regarding what is right and wrong. Punishing the toddler for normal behaviour produces only negative results. For toddlers to readily accept discipline, they must have a positive attitude about themselves and their immediate environment. The act of breastfeeding not only provides needed nutrition, it helps the toddler develop a positive outlook because their emotional needs are being attended to. Breast milk continues providing young children immunity from diseases and supplies needed vitamins after infancy. “If your toddler does get sick, nursing will help comfort him. In fact, a toddler with an upset stomach may be able to tolerate nothing but human milk” (“What are the Benefits?”, 2005). Breastfeeding is, by far, the preferred choice over bottle-feeding but this information is not as well-promoted as it should be. The most likely group to remain ignorant of these benefits is young, low income mothers. If the government were to become more involved in providing literature and counseling to this ‘at risk’ group, more kids would be healthier thus reducing the costs of medical care for their children, a ‘win, win’ situation for the children, mother and society as a whole. “To enhance the overall knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, institutional policies whether governmental or health-related should focus on first-time, teenage and low-income mothers, those who are most at-risk for not fully understanding the health consequences involved with breastfeeding” (Shaw et al, 2003). Since learning the benefits of breastfeeding, I have been on a mission to educate others. It’s better for the physical, emotional and cognitive development of children. It is a mother’s natural need to protect her children therefore one would think they would want then to have the best possible start. Breastfeeding is easy, natural and may be one of the most important decisions a young mother makes. Works Cited “Breastfeeding.” UNICEF UK. (2006). December 7, 2007 Franklin, Vikki. “Breast-feeding Increases Babies’ IQ.” University of Kentucky. (September 22, 1999). December 7, 2007 Labbok, Mirriam MD, MPH. “IBCLC.” Breastfeeding Abstracts. (February 2000). Vol. 19, N. 3: 19-21. Shaw, R., Wallace, L.M. & Bansal, M. “Is Breast Best? Perception of infant feeding.” Community Practitioner. (2003). Vol. 76, N. 8: 299-303. “What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler?” Pediatrics. Vol. 115, N 2: 496-506. Nottingham: La Leche League International. (February 2005). December 7, 2007 Read More